This is a continuation of
my previous post on Ministering to the
Buster Generation.
The stats are
interesting. In 2001, 33% of those ages 18-29 attended church, (compared to
40% of those ages 30-64 and 52% of those ages 65-74). So how does today’s
church design a strategy for reaching unchurched Busters? Gary McIntosh (One
Church Four Generations) suggests five concepts the church must
keep in mind, (the author elaborates but you can brainstorm the
possibilities under each point).
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Physically, nothing
captivates Busters more than sports and fitness.
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Relationally,
nothing captivates Busters than friends and family.
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Mentally, nothing
captivates Busters more than entertainment and music.
-
Socially, nothing
captivates Busters more than improving the environment.
-
Spiritually, nothing
captivates Busters more than a search for serenity.
While one-size-fits-all
does not fit the Buster generation, there are some keys to reaching them.
Each church must determine if they are Buster-centered, Buster-friendly or
Buster-hostile. Consider these ideas in becoming more Buster-centered (like
saying, “welcome, we’ve prepared this experience just for you”).
-
Play down titles and
use first names.
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Eliminate churchy
words like foyer, vestibule and sanctuary and
replace them with platform, lobby and auditorium.
-
Provide excellent
child-care facilities.
-
Explain everything
you do, so they have some idea of what’s going on.
-
Use a style of music
that they would listen to on the radio.
-
Dress casually.
-
Remodel the church
to reflect contemporary colors, rather than outdated.
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Install equipment
that Busters expect: computer and multimedia projector.
-
Don’t call
attention to guests, but welcome visitors as a group and invite them
to sit back and enjoy the service, directing them to a welcome center
in the lobby.
Not only can the church
value Busters, but other things can be done to reach this generation:
-
Start a new worship
experience designed for them.
-
Make a good first
impression.
-
Keep things relaxed.
-
Be positive: help
Busters to see the joy in serving Christ.
-
Use a response card
rather than asking them to come forward after a service.
-
Start a drama
ministry or a video production team.
-
Preach “how-to”
messages.
-
Establish new
ministries.
-
Teach life skills.
-
Provide parafamily
structures: small groups, sports teams, task oriented committees.
-
Be involved in the
community.
-
Stress marriage and
family.
-
Communicate your
vision with practical results of your ministries.
-
Offer time and space
since their pilgrimage may last longer than others: they are the first
post-Christian generation who lack a Christian foundation; they carry
hurts that need healing before they can move to another place in their
lives; they learn by experimenting and they are predisposed to
thinking that church is irrelevant.
The main thing for
Busters is relationships, purpose in life and personal healing… wow,
healing hurts and building bridges. What a great task for the church!
31 December 2007
