While our church desires and struggles to reach the 20somethings and even our youth in the main services (we used to have a different Sunday morning service with a goal of focusing on them, but it tapped our resources to where everything suffered), we have decided we should try to do two things: one, make certain we feed and challenge the people who are already coming. Two, strive to do that in a way which is welcoming to the outsider from our community, which happens to average out to a married couple in their 30s-40s with kids, etc. 20somethigns and youth and everyone is important to us as a multigenerational church, but God has placed us a particular place where particular people come. Therefore, we strive to reach that general group in ways that are accessible as much as possible by multiple generations.

It’s not about money. It’s about where God places your chruch. A dear friend of my family is pastor of a church in rural Ohio. We have had discussions about church style and who you are reaching, but his population will always be farming America. It’s where God put that church.

So, I hope it’s not about money but about doing your best to live where God plants you.

http://www.generationaxis.com/ImNew/axisupdate.asp

“But, why is it that in “main” services we target specific groups who have kids, mortgages, spouses etc.”

Money. Sadly, I believe it all comes down to money. I believe most churches target the demographic with the most potential to give and continue in making a lifestyle out of it. Parents are more apt to tithe, knowing that supporting the church will benefit their children/teens.

I’ve seen the same thing in churches where the leaders are trying to reach out to youth, only to bring in their parents…for the money.

I can’t wait for the day when every church becomes a place of refuge for the lost, broken and hurting and the “suits” don’t rule the lives of those they know nothing about.

I think if we are truly honest too most churches realize that the 20something age group is the group that is most expendable. When they are in our Student Ministries we are still reaching out to their parents who are part of our financial base through their tithe but once they are no longer in their parents homes they become a big body of people who are not really supporting the church. I think most churches recognize that they have to meet the needs of their biggest financial supporters. I’m not saying that’s right either but its just the truth.

Elder boards, committee leaders, pastors, deacons…..most of these groups are not made up of anyone in their 20′s.

One more thing. I’m not in my 20′s so I’m not trying to stand up for my group. I just recognize that we have lost that group and most churches don’t really care and only give them lip service.

Lars,
I think the “thing” that is appealing in groups geared toward college-age/20-somethings is that it’s a specific ministry that is directed toward them and their lifestyle. During most “main” services there are lots of talks of marriage and how to treat your children and spouse and most young adults and kids fresh out of high school aren’t going through that yet. Most people are most comfortable when they are around people in similar situations/lifestyles.

Regarding the low attendance in 20-somethings; I’ve been watching 20-something ministries for about 10 years and I think it’s just the transition from teen to adult. The kids/young adults finally have the power to make their own decisions and those that were being forced to go to church, as teens, now have a right to sleep in or go to the beach if they want. The other factor is that their schedules aren’t being mandated for them anymore. Their time is now being consumed by work, college, homework and friends and they are learning the art of time-management. :)

Whether cultural relevance is going on in churches or not, young adults still make the choice of being there. I’ve seen lives changed without cultural relevance and I’ve seen lives lost WITH it…