Generational differences offer change and promise

One of the most baffling issues for churches these days seems to be how to build a ministry with young adults. There is no lack of information on the topic. The lives of people from their late teens to their early 30s are the subject of a growing number of books, some of which focus on how churches might best reach out to young adults.

Young adults were also a focus of a March gathering of congregational development specialists in the Episcopal Church. That group, from dioceses across the United States, included about half a dozen young adults – clergy and laity – who brought a “reality check” to the conversation.

The focus of the conversation seemed to be that much of the time churches are missing opportunities to engage young adults – not only the young adults who have grown up in the church but also young adults who have no experience of the Episcopal Church, or perhaps any church at all. In other words, we have opportunities for (Dare I say it?) evangelism.

But one of the realities is that ministry with any age group looks a little different than it does with another. Baby boomers, my age group, see the world differently than Generation X, the generation of my children, who are in their 30s.  The silent generation (those born before the end of World War II) see the world differently than millennials (young people in their 20s).

Broadly speaking, we have different approaches to church and to how we relate to God and one another. Different kinds of ministries, programming, and patterns of relationships engage people of different age groups. That isn’t to say that we don’t have a broad core of church – and life in general – that is shared across the age group spectrum, but there are some differences for sure.

Generational differences are not a new thing. They have been around as long as generations have been around. But today, in an age of significant change in family patterns, increasing technology, and incredible amounts of information, our generational differences seem more pronounced.

Where do we start as we learn how to engage a variety of generations? One obvious way is simply to talk to people who are younger or older than we are. To take an interest in people both inside and outside the Church. To engage them in conversation. To learn about their lives and concerns.

A second way is to learn from people in our diocese who are active in young adult ministry. They include Bryan Krislock (bryank@spokanediocese.org), The Rev. Paul Lebens-Englund (paul@trinityspokane.org), and Chase Shields (chases@spokanediocese.org).

If you are interested in reading about the world of young adults, three very different books could help fill in some of the background. “Tribal Church: Ministering to the Missing Generation,” is by Carol Howard Merritt, a Presbyterian minister. The book, published by the Alban Institute, is arranged by theme with an autobiographical introduction. It includes some helpful reflection questions.

“Googling God: The Religious Landscape of People in their 20s and 30s,” by Mike Hayes, is written from a Roman Catholic perspective. Hayes, who directs “BustedHalo Ministries” for people in their 20s and 30s, also manages a young adult website. The book includes some general description of generational characteristics as well as interviews with individuals in their 20s and 30s, and is published by Paulist.

“After the Baby Boomers: How Twenty- and-Thirty-Somethings Are Shaping the Future of American Religion,” was written by sociologist Robert Wuthnow. This is a scholarly and readable survey of the religious landscape that looks at the church-going habits and spiritual needs of these generations. It is published by Princeton University Press.

Young adult ministry is an exciting growing edge in this diocese. In this issue of the Inland Episcopalian you’ll find a story about WaterMark, a ministry that is taking shape in Spokane. From time to time you have read about one of our own young adults, Matt Kellen, as he serves as a volunteer in mission in Africa. Stay tuned for news both of our young adults and the things they are doing.

Editor’s note: Young adults are currently serving with distinction on our Diocean Council, Standing Committee, and as convention delegates and deputies. Many are well-traveled, having participated in gatherings and mission trips throughout the western dioceses and The Episcopal Church as a whole.