Recently we had an entry about Rob Bell and his church that’s attracting mostly twentysomethings. Many of the comments focused on demographic strategies, and whether or not churches should target specific demographics to the exclusion of others.
It’s a good debate, but personally I’ve always felt that the church should be packed with diversity. That diversity should include race, gender, age, economic position, social status, political leaning, denominational bent, theological position, etc.
Mike Breaux of Willow Creek shares his multi-generational strategy that involves applying a youth group mindset to the entire church (he calls it “youth ministry for big people”). I’m not suggesting youth ministry is king, but the idea of doing something radical to get radical results is cool:
Fannie Hamilton sat among teenagers during the Sunday service. She used her left hand to hold up her stroke-affected right hand in praise, belting out the words to “My Glorious” by Delirious. A few minutes later, she stood next to a 16-year-old, who joined her in belting out the words to “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” She was a small group leader in our youth ministry—at the age of 82.
I’ve always thought that in the ideal church youth ministry as we know it today wouldn’t be necessary.
pudge
June 16, 2005
dude,
Just found your website. I share your passion! Definately going to link more people (leaders) your way!
Keep the passion!
P
M Squared T Blog
June 16, 2005
Intergenerational Worship
Fannie Hamilton sat among teenagers during the Sunday service. She used her left hand to hold up her stroke-affected right hand in praise, belting out the words to “My Glorious” by Delirious. A few minutes later, she stood next to a 16-year-old, who jo…
Derek
July 28, 2005
One thing we’ve rely focused on at our church The Ridge, is creating most of our outward marketing pieces to be focused on a male demographic. With bold manly colors and eye candy and various other things we’ve found men gravitate towards. Our idea is that if we can create a church that a man wants to come to then the wife is going to welcome the idea of following him. Because our culture is usually opposite. Or in most cases the women is plugged in and active, but the man stays away from church. This is a case of us targeting specific demographics that is working. We got people of all ages attending and a lot of men serving in all areas including child care.
Marvin
April 8, 2009
Praise The Lord. Its a blessing knowing that people like you are friends in Ministry.
I love Ministry, and believe in young people who are serving God.
Please feel free to contact us to serve God together.
PERFECT LOVE MINISTRIES.
P.O.BOX 1135 Kampala,Uganda
East Africa
Email: perfectlovef@aol.com
Webpage: http://www.myspace.com/apostlemarvin
Jeff Goins
October 28, 2010
Interesting.