Category Archives: For Churches

Prerequisite for Intergenerational Ministry

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Recent research was released by the Pew Research Center, displaying “the Millennial Exodus” from the church. I believe that one reason why young adults leave the church is because of Ageism.

© 2007 Florencia&Pe, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

Ageism is prejudice or discrimination based upon age.  “Ageism” was first coined by Robert Neil Butler in 1971, and is displayed through stereotyping various ages and generations, disdain and avoiding contact with different age-groups, and practices that discriminate services based upon age. While the elderly are often the targets of ageism, emerging adults are also victims of its abuse.

Ageism raises it head ever time that jokes are made about a certain demographic within the church.  Ageism smiles when roadblocks keep the young (and old) from leadership and service roles.  Ageism cheers in victory when the “youth” alone are designated for a specific project of the church.  Ageism reigns when generations glare across the aisle at one another rather than standing hand in hand.

© 2007 Mike Renlund, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

The Good News according to Erdman Palmore is that “Religious organization are uniquely able to use exhortation to reduce ageism because most people belong to one and because they can call on the authority of the Bible and other teachings of their religion.“ (Palmore, Ageism: Negative and Positive)

As followers of Christ, we hold powerful answers to ageing and death for our world.  The church also has a single unifying cause (Hint:  The answer starts with a “J” and ends with “esus”).  Armed with a positive perspectives of ageing and death, the church is equipped to build thriving intergenerational communities.

However, when is the last time that you heard a message, homily, blog-post, or devotional on this topic?  Even as I write, I wonder whether or not anyone will read this post.

Intergenerational is a buzzword that you hear every day within youth ministry circles.  In order to create healthy intergenerational communities, we must confront ageism and develop strategies for individual and community change.

© 2010 Eric Danley, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

When you combat ageism, you stand as a warrior for church unity.  Don’t simply be a spokesperson for the youth of the church.  I call you to blaze new trails which allow them to speak for themselves. Don’t strive for intergenerational communities until you know that they won’t attack each other.

If you don’t know where to start combating ageism, then look inside.  Ask yourself the question, “How does ageism affect you?”  May your answer lead you to the cross, and start you on a journey towards healing.

Dr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Managing Director of EA Resources.

Three Marks of the Spiritually Immature

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Here is a picture of my youngest – Tobias.

Babies require a lot of attention.

  • Babies cannot feed themselves.
  • Babies stick.
  • Babies can’t defend themselves.

As a father of three boys, I have personally experienced these truth, and as a leader in the church I have noticed some parallels between babies and the spiritually immature.

The Spiritually mature feed themselves.

Here is Andrew, my middle child when he was about 2 years old.

The immature show up to church every Sunday (some of them NEVER miss), and open their mouths saying, “Feed me.”  The spiritual parent provides a message that they quickly swallow, and they never eat again until the following Sunday.  Like baby birds who eat their mother’s regurgitated worms, spoon spoon-fed Christians eat only what they are given.

A follower of Jesus has tasted how good He is, and desire more.  1 Peter 2:2 says, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”  However, many Christians have filled their natural desire for God with other appetites of the Flesh.

As a disciple matures in faith, he or she is no longer dependent on others for nourishment.  Disciples are able to connect with God on a personal level – through listening to His voice, and responding.

The Spiritually mature don’t stink.

Babies often stink.  When babies make a mess (in their diaper), they don’t just say, “Mom/Dad, don’t you worry.  I will take care of that foul odor coming from my backside by changing my undergarments.”    When stinky, babies often don’t notice.  As they turn into toddlers, children either cry when dirty, or run off and hide.

Babies are not able to always discern the disgusting from the amazing, and when they are discovered playing in the disgusting, they don’t know what to do.  Being aware of the power of sin in our lives, and daily surrendering our lives to Jesus is a step of maturity.  The spiritually mature are aware of the messes that they make in their own lives (and how their sins affect others), and are proactive in cleaning up the mess left behind.

The Spiritually mature can defend themselves.

A parent of a baby is always on duty (especially when children are old enough to walk, but not old enough to discern danger).  The immature are unable to sense danger whether it comes from an electrical socket or a car.  The spiritually immature are unable to discern truth from error.  Whether surfing the web or listening to the radio, they are drawn, and persuaded by what their ears want to hear.  (2 Timothy 4:3)  The spiritually mature have the ability to listen to others, without feeling the need to change their own beliefs, or the necessity to prove others wrong.

Physical age and spiritual maturity are easily confused by those who have never had the later (like Mayo and Miracle Whip).  However, true disciples accept no substitute.

2014 July4Dr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Managing Director of EA Resources.  He is an avid lover of Legos, video games, and anything related to the Marvel Universe.

So You Want to Start a Young Adult Ministry

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So You Want to Start a Young Adult MinistryI had rehearsed what I was going to say and had a response for each of the objections I was sure my pastor would enumerate. I waited until the waitress brought us our coffee, and then I began to share a bit of my heart with this man who had watched me grow up and in recent years had become more of a mentor. Continue reading →

When the Church is Fighting over Coffee Pots

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© 2010 Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious, Flickr | CC-BY-SA | via Wylio

I am still shocked and amazed that it happened.  I had heard stories about church conflict centered on the color of carpet or the VBS theme, but it would never happen in my church.

Never say never.

In the midst of a church business meeting, a discussion began that resulted in a fight over the use of coffee pots.  Harsh words were uttered.  People were angry.

In a room where the average age was well over forty

In a room that was holding the leadership of our church.

In a room where gray hair ran rampant, and where wisdom and maturity were supposed to be found in abundance.

In this room selfishness reigned and child-like behavior was obvious.

Sometimes immature behavior gets ascribed to… well, to those who are younger (or to people we don’t like or agree with).  Yet at that moment, it was difficult to imagine any other age group having this same conversation.

Psalm 119: 99,100 says,

I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.

Spiritual maturity is not dependent upon age, but upon the individual’s meditation and obedience to God’s word.  We all make assumptions about others based upon their age – which is defined as Ageism.  Ageism is prejudice or discrimination based upon age, and I believe it to be one of the causes of the Millennial Exodus (or why young adults are leaving the church).

When judged by his age, Paul commands Timothy to stand strong against ageism, “Don’t let anyone look down upon you because you are young.”  (1 Timothy 4:12)  Timothy was called to lead, and Paul knew that his character and calling (rather than age) were the foundation of his leadership.

Why then are young adults often excluded from leadership because of age?  (read more)

For several years in a community where I served, I regularly questioned why our leadership had to be over fifty.  After nominating many young(er) adults, they were always mysteriously removed for the same reason – they were in the wrong ‘phase of life’ (aka – anyone with children in the home). It was thinly veiled ageism –  excluded people due to their age.

When the coffee pots become the center of your church meetings, it reveals that something is wrong.

Your church may be equating age with maturity.

David Boyd 1 (1)Dr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Managing Director of EA Resources.  He is passionate about equipping parents and churches to reach Millennials.  If there is some way that he can serve your community, contact him at gdavid@earesources.org.

Why You Need to Be Yourself When Marketing to Millennials

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Earlier this week, I posted an article about Hilary Clinton’s tweet that offended Millennials and how the church can learn from her mistake.

Here is a new article that while focusing on marketing can reveal how churches often drive Millennials away.

Authenticity is a buzzword – especially among churches.

Yet the meaning is different for Millennials that other generations (Read more HERE).

If you are seeking Millennials, it is crucial to be true to yourself.  As I reflected on how churches attempt to appeal to Millennials in inauthentic ways, here are a few questions that came to mind.

1.  Do you claim to be non-denominational, and yet have clear ties and restricted beliefs for your community?

2.  Do you claim diversity, and yet have none?  (For example, when using “Stock” photos, do you accurately represent your community?)

3.  Do you claim to be earth-friendly, and yet don’t recycle?  I know of two large churches in my community who actually put out recycling containers to appear eco-friendly, and yet were unwilling to pay for recycling (and they were throwing the recyclables in the garbage).

4.  Do you claim to empower women and yet don’t have any in leadership?

I do not believe that you have to change your communities policies in these areas; however, you should accurately display them.

The main point of the article is that we should truly express our community’s set of beliefs (rather than hiding – or using a “bait and switch” technique).  While these beliefs may turn away some people, they will help others find a place where they belong.

David Boyd 1 (1)Dr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Managing Director of EA Resources.  If he can assist your community to reach Millennials, please contact him at gdavid@earesources.org.

 

A Two-Minute Prayer for College Students

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As part of our prayer campaign for college students (called “The First Two Weeks”)  Here is something that you can use as a prayer guide.

Studying from Flickr via Wylio

© 2013 mer chau, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

Lord, we pray for the protection of (name)
We ask that you would guard their heart and their mind in Christ Jesus
That you would wrap them up in Your love
And deliver them from all evil

Lord, we pray that you would give (name) great enthusiasm for their studies
May you inspire them each and everyday
May each seminar and class bring fresh inspiration to their work
May each moment be filled with the energy they need for their tasks

Lord, we pray that (name) would know the hope to which they are called
That their life would be transformed by revelation from Heaven
That You would inspire their direction
And gently lead them into their destiny

Lord, we especially pray for (name’s) friends at college
May they come to know Your goodness and love
To walk in Your freedom and grace
All the days of their life

Amen.

Read more: http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/prayers_before/prayers_for_students.html#ixzz3hrVQL3IA

The First 2 Weeks – A Call to Prayer for those Returning to Campus

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Replace your profile picture with this image to remind others to pray for emerging adults.

Emerging adults are heading back to college campuses.  While this causes many parents to worry, and many religious to fear, it should lead us to pray.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”  Philippians 4:6

Pray, and ask others to join you in prayer.

Kara Powell and Chap Clark in their book Sticky Faith say, “Over and over, students have told us that the first two weeks at college are when they make key decisions about drinking and other high-risk behaviors, right along with choosing whether to go to church or to a campus ministry.”  (Powell and Clark)  While many may not immediately participate in risky behavior, they do make social decisions that determine their social community for several years.

Let us show emerging adults that while on campus…

  • They are still relevant to our lives.
  • Their work on campus is relevant to the Kingdom of God.
  • They are still an important piece of our spiritual community.
  • They are not forgotten.

The purpose of the “First 2 Weeks” Campaign is to remind the Church to support and encourage emerging adults.

This prayer campaign is not just for parents.  It is for youth workers, grandparents, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, pastors, friends, and anyone else who cares about the spiritual needs of emerging adults.

As the Church, let us show Emerging Adults through text, facebook, and tweet that they are not forgotten (#first2weeks).  They are not in another reality.  They are not so far away.

Help us build a prayer moment for Emerging Adults by…

  1.  Use the buttons below to like and SHARE this article on Facebook.
  2. Replace your profile picture with the “First Two Weeks” image.
  3. Tweet your prayers for an emerging adult with the hashtag #first2weeks.
  4.  Encourage your church community to join the movement by contacting your youth workers or senior pastor.

May we truly be the body of Christ, not in words only, but also in deeds.

 

Resources

Powell, Kara and Chap Clark.  Sticky Faith:  Everyday ideas to build lasting faith in your kids.

The Millennial Exodus – Article by Doug Devor

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Emerging adults are leaving the church.  If this is new information to you then, please read THIS.

If you believe it isn’t true, please read THIS.

Stephens City United Methodist Church from Flickr via Wylio

© 2013 NCinDC, Flickr | CC-BY-ND | via Wylio

I have used the term to describe this transition as, “The Millennial Exodus.”  Many authors, bloggers, pastors, and church leaders have written on this topic.  If you want to see some of these various articles, I have have them tagged as the ” Millennial Exodus.”

Here is a new voice to add to the discussion by Doug Devor.  The full article is HERE.

The reasons given by the author are:

1. We are overprotective. As the church we need to allow young people to take the reins and take imaginative risks.  (I agree!  Young Adults should be given full Autonomy!)

2.We are shallow. As the church we need to focus on the depth of discipleship instead of the number attending our programs.

3.We are anti-science. As the church we need to help foster the idea that science and faith are not incompatible.

4.We are repressive. As the church we need to focus less on the rules that people should follow and more on the grace that Christ provides.

5.We are exclusive. As the church we need to invite people in and actually want them to stay, no matter who they are. We need to be more open-minded, tolerant and accepting.

6. We are doubtless. As the church we need to let young people doubt and then answer the hard questions that they have about faith.

If you are a Millennial, and you would like to add your voice to the conversation.  Please contact me at gdavid@earesources.org.  Here is a link to receive more information.

 

Young Adult Unemployment – Does your church community care?

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Earlier this week, I posted how an article that shared a Millennial’s journey through unemployment.

Emerging adults who are unemployed (or underemployed) will not break down the door to your church office asking for help.  They will not demand that the church do anything for them at all.  You might not even know they [unemployed emerging adults] exist.

They do exist.  If your church wants to minister to Emerging adults, then we must seek ways to make a difference in their lives.

Here is a chart recently released by the Economic Policy Institute.

Here are some highlights from the article.

  • …young workers always experience disproportionate increases in unemployment during periods of labor market weakness…
  • Unemployment and underemployment rates among young graduates are improving but remain substantially higher than before the recession began.
  • [These high rates of unemployment]… stems from weak demand for goods and services, which makes itunnecessary for employers to significantly ramp up hiring.
  • Wages of young college and high school graduates are performing poorly—and are substantially lower today than in 2000. The real (inflation-adjusted) wages of young high school graduates are 5.5 percent lower today than in 2000, and the wages of young college graduates are 2.5 percent lower.
  • The cost of higher education has grown far more rapidly than median family income, leaving students with little choice but to take out loans which, upon graduating into a labor market with limited job opportunities, they may not have the funds to repay.
  • Graduating in a weak economy has long-lasting economic consequences. Economic research suggests that for the next 10 to 15 years, those in the Class of 2015 will likely earn less than if they had graduated when job opportunities were plentiful.

May God lead your community to be a place that understands and is willing to do what it takes to minister to Emerging adults.

Ddavid in hat - blackr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Managing Director of EA Resources.