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Equipping Next Generations To Leave Church by Peter Roennfeldt In spite of the best efforts of churches – next generations are not identifying with church or God. Only 48% of Australian Gen Y’s believe in God. Different or better church programs will not change this situation. So, here is a radical suggestion: invest energy in equipping the next generation to leave church! Obviously such a radical idea needs explanation. How families hand on life to their children provides a model for churches wishing to hand on faith to next generations. Parents who equip their children to leave home have healthier relationships with their young adult children than those parents who are overly protective and controlling – and new families form. In the same way, next generations must be released from the controls, dictates, and resources of the church family to reinterpret and apply faith to their lives and communities. A Scary Option!
This means releasing the next generation to (again using the family model) to leave church to reproduce and give birth to the next generation of church. This is not just giving them a say. It is not just letting them have a part in the program or sit on a committee. It is not just sending them off on mission trips – only to come back home to a situation of control. It is not just training them to do things in the home church. It is not just letting them run a youth church or take part of the worship service, under the watchful eye of the board of elders or pastor. It is letting them mold their future–including their churches and church. It is letting them go with our full support and blessing–but not control. And, if they have not been equipped and released by the time they are youth, there could be rebellion – as in a home where parents try to maintain control. Life changes when young adults have babies. They think differently, plan differently. And so it is when next generations are released to mold the new life of future churches. They tune into God’s heart – identifying with his mission, discipleship, spirituality, and commission. They develop new approaches to interacting with God. They experience his living presence, network with their communities, and address the justice issues of the world. They read their Bibles, find a new relationship with Jesus, explore their heritage, and reinterpret the message of the gospel. Our Future! As in families, when the next generations are respected and equipped to leave and make their own decisions, they include in their relationships all generations. In an environment of trust and respect, the stories of our heritage are shared, and distinctive features pro-actively explored and interpreted – as the next generations apply faith to 21st century issues. In equipping the next generation to leave church we ensure the health of the next generation of church. W! |
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