I have a theory about young adults and the church. Here it goes.
While many mainline churches say "we want young people," they don't really. If young adults actually showed up and joined their church for good, the change they'd naturally bring with them would be stark, even off-putting. In fact, making a congregation welcoming for young adults necessarily means it will get less comfortable for the current members.
It's just a theory, but here's why I'm suggesting it. A few stories...
First story: the ministry I lead hosts a book group that meets in a back room at a local coffee shop. We read books related to religion in a very open-minded atmosphere. Few of our book group members attend church. Some don't believe in God. Most are highly suspicious of organized religion. Well, at a book group discussion recently conversation turned to why people don't go to church and one of the members exclaimed, "Wait a second ...this, this book group -- it's sort of like church! I mean, I'd never go to church, but this community reminds me a lot of one. Wow." He was floored.
As many have noted about young adults today, we tend to seek belonging first; believing comes later. To welcome young adults churches need to make places where we can belong and then believe. Belonging takes time and often happens best outside the church's walls. For churches to do this means, for many of them, major change in where, how, and for whom they organize programs.
Second story (or stories, really). Several of my young adult pastor friends tell about a time when one of them is hanging out around town, meeting new people, just being his cool/nerdy self when someone finds out he's a pastor. And this person thinks the pastor is pretty hip so she asks, "Hey, can I come to your church." The pastor sighs and says, "Yes, but you've got to know: I'm really different at church."
These pastor friends, to survive in their parishes, have taken the edge off their preaching, their politics, their big ideas, even their theology. Though the pastors know young adults are drawn to their edgy honest selves, they also know that their more established members -- with the power and the checkbooks -- have other ideas. A lot would need to change for the pastor to be able to respond to his friend saying, "Yes! Please, come to my church. You'd love it!" And, if that gal at the bar would truly love it, what would the church's choir members think?
Third story. I was once at a church-related event where young adults were going around the table introducing themselves to the group. One person shared his name and then said, "And, I want to be upfront: I'm an atheist." For a second, I held my breath to see what would happen next. Quickly, someone said, "Great!" And another smiled and said, "So glad you're here." There were smiles all the way around the table.
I can't help but wonder how many congregations would welcome that young atheist with a genuine smile rather than a leeriness that he might infect the confirmation class with dastardly atheism-laced questions. Welcoming young adults that fit the perfect church visitor mold is easy. You know the type many church members long for: some magical newcomer who was raised in a perfect household, is married (not divorced), has a few kids, enjoys his well-paying job, and, of course, has orthodox unquestioning beliefs. Fewer and fewer young adults fit this image (if anyone ever did). To welcome young adults these days churches need to welcome the atheist, the single mom, the tattooed, the unemployed, and yes (of course!) even the same-sex couple.
Those are my stories. And that's my theory: for most congregations to truly become welcoming for young adults they will necessarily need to unsettle many current members. Discuss.
Cross-posted from my primary blog.
Follow Rev. Adam J. Copeland on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ajc123
Religious music is HUGE right now, My son, who is not overtly religious does like it's message. I have taught him that religion will be a personal decision for him and he should be open minded. I am uncertain what echo-chamber the author is trying to feed, but anyone walking into any church will have doubts and have to resolve them. That is part of the idea of faith, and part of a reasoning society that hopefully we all live in.
All religions are willing to accept people with open minds, the situation you describe is truly overstated and quite dubious.
I really have to disagree with that statement. A better one would be, "all religions are willing to accept those whose minds will conform to their teaching and not ask too challenging questions."
They'd think that when she recognized them and said something, they would be in deep doo-doo.
What I fear when large numbers of unbelievers come to church is the pastor is tempted to feed the "goats". 'Sheep 'and 'goats' don't eat the same thing. Sheep need a rich diet of the Bible. 'Goats' are more interested in entertainment.
I am going to focus on God's desire if for ALL THINGS to be together and that's also God's plan.
Just the next night I was watching James Franco in "Howl," all about Ginsburg's great poem. I was really touched at the end by Franco's recitation of "Footnote to Howl." (If you don't know it you can read it at http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/240700 ) I thought it really captures how all things are precious to God. I really wanted to end my sermon with it. But I know it wouldn't work in a church with mainly older people. It's just too bold, too gay friendly, too explicit, too real. Oh well.
Also there are diverse congregations that also are theologically liberal, those are the kind I like, like Riverside Church in NYC or All Saints in Pasadena, CA or the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas.
Your not going to make an impression on them by telling them that the earth is 6000 years old and was created in 6 days, or that the human race was started by two fully formed naked teenagers in a garden.
They know that the bible is not a science book,or that it's true ,complete and accurate.
They know that humans can't come back to life after truly being dead for three days.
They know what fossils are and they weren't hidden in some rocks just to befuddle us and pi** us off>
No, I don't think you can depend on the youngsters to reconstitute the church.
I will also say that in my personal experience, consider the event with your atheist peer a blessing. I'll answer your wonderings right here, not many congregations are open or willing enough to accept an open atheist like that. I'd venture to say there were probably even some silent judges in your story who simply thought it rude to speak up.
Wonderful article.