Photo Courtesy of Aaron Robert Photography. Copyright 2014. www.aaronrobertphotography.com
One of the first obstacles to overcome when a community desires to minister to emerging adults is the question of leadership. As already overwhelmed staff and volunteers exchanged fearful glances around the table, this question of responsibility often keeps church communities from moving ahead. The first person who often gets handed the responsibility of emerging adults are those who oversee the church’s youth.
Maybe because she is the youngest person?
Maybe because he is the most ‘hip and trendy’ person in the room?
Maybe because she finds it difficult to say no?
Maybe because some people believe that the only things that youth workers do is play video games and ping-pong?
So as your leadership team discusses the question of leadership, here are a few reasons why your first answer shouldn’t be the Youth Pastor.
1. Youth Pastors do not have time.
After twelve years as a youth pastor, I understand what their position requires of them. While many youth pastors are extroverts and love people; however, they do not have the relational bandwidth in order to shepherd an additional flock of sheep.
2. Calling emerging adults “youth” is demeaning, and they know it.
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The title “youth” means that they are not fully developed, and contributes to ageism within the church (Ageism is judging others based upon their age.) If you want emerging adults to be accepted within the adult community, and stop presenting them as a lesser form than other adults. Changing how we address them also communicates higher expectations.
3. Expands their spiritual network of mentors.
While they may have loved their youth workers, it takes a community of mentors to keep emerging adults spiritually anchored. Distancing them from youth ministry will expand their spiritual network of mentors.
4. Moves emerging adults towards intergenerational relationships.
Intergenerational relationships are not simply a goal to achieve, but an essential quality for body life. The church who wants to effectively minister to emerging adults must provide opportunities for them to know other young adults, while also ensuring intergenerational connections.
5. Squeezes Youth Budget.
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In today’s tech-savy churches, communication and worship teams is where the money is spent. Youth ministries (fortunate enough to have a budget) are taking major cuts, and many youth workers have never heard the words “budget increase.” If a church wants to minister to emerging adults, church leadership must set aside resources for that purpose. While a ministry to emerging adults might not require an endless pot of gold, a community might require some resources to get started.
6. Change is exciting.
After 4-6 years with the same leadership, church becomes predictable, and many students want a new environment. If you build a solid ministry for emerging adults, then your graduating students will look forward to what lies ahead. While many students love their youth pastor, others may not have connected and felt overlooked. A new team of leadership allows individuals a fresh start.
7. Allows emerging adults to establish relationships distinct from their parents.
Breaking away from the youth pastor is a symbol to parents and the emerging adults that they will be treated differently in their new adult status. Helicopter parents are often too involved in the lives of their children, and will continue to use high school connections to hover over their children. As they step into adulthood, the church should no longer involve their parents in the child’s affairs.
Dr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Managing Director of EA Resources. If he can help your community understand the world of Emerging Adults, contact him at gdavid@earesources.org.
