If you build it, they will come.
This may have been true in the movie, Field of Dreams. However, I know many churches who have spent thousands of dollars to launch a community and failed.
One of the first steps to launching a community for emerging adults is to figure out who is around, and if they are interested in a community. One way you can gather this information is through surveying emerging adults who attend your worship services.
There are several ways to complete the survey including: online, table in the church foyer, or plan a target group. Here are some questions to form your survey.
- Demographic Questions (gender, age, living arrangements, occupation, education, income, relationship status, children)
- What would an exciting community for you look like?
- Have you found meaningful community at our church? If yes, where? If no, why not?
- When would be a convenient time to gather emerging adults?
- What are the biggest challenges that you are currently facing in your life?
- How could our community assist you in those challenges?
- Have you found a meaningful role of service within our community? If so, please let us know what that is. If no, please let us know what role you would enjoy.
- Would you be willing to help form or serve in a group focused on emerging adults? If so, in what ways could you envision yourself playing a part?
- How should we communicate about the work that we will be doing?
- Who else do you think should be involved in this ministry? Why?
- What would be important to you about this ministry?
- Is our church community a welcoming place for emerging adults? Why or why not?
- If you are interested in connecting with this community, how should we contact you?
Make sure you know what information you need before you form your questionnaire. Don’t ask their income – if you don’t need that information (as it could offend the people you are seeking to reach). Ask only what you need in order to form a plan to build your community. 
Surveys can also be a great way to gather information to present to the leadership at your church to show the necessity for this ministry. Before you begin, make sure that you and your leadership team are on the same page.
Dr. G. David Boyd is the Managing Director of EA Resources. If he can help your community minister to emerging adults, please contact him at gdavid@earesources.org.
