How can congregations help?

Anxiousness among graduating seniors on College campuses reaches a crescendo during second semester. Many students are getting a crash course in the daily realities of their respective fields as they do internships. Others are fretting about what happens next, while still more are masking their anxiety under a veneer of disinterest.

The pressure that students feel to "figure out" the rest of their lives comes from parents, the media, and themselves. This makes sense because according to sociologist Tim Clydesdale most High School graduates see College more as a necessary step in securing their futures than an opportunity for intellectual growth. He calls such students "practical credentialists" because they think of their degree instrumentally, as a means to an end. 

In my experience the pragmatic nature of students extends beyond their first year of College. Some will discover a passion for the life of the mind and become the next generation of intellectuals, but according to Clydesdale this is a much smaller group than most of us in higher education would guess. So it's no wonder that the anxiety among College students is high as they prepare to graduate. They've spent thousands of dollars on their degree and now are about to see if it was worth it.

In recent years this anxiety has been compounded by a weak economy and increased competition from older workers who have lost their own jobs. According to recent reports the job outlook for the class of 2013 has improved considerably but even if that is true it will take some time before public perception catches up with reality.

In the midst of this anxiety Congregations have an opportunity to provide a sense of hope and community to those transitioning into the "real world". But graduates probably aren't going to beating down the doors of local congregations looking for such support. 

If I were in a congregation wanting to provides such support to young adults I would start by looking at the young adults that are already present. How can you support them in this time of transition? What do they hear from their friends? How might  God be at work in this time in their lives? If faith becomes a resource for the young adults who are already present they will probably talk about it with their friends.

Regardless of whether you have young adults in your congregation I do have the following advice for those who want to support young adults as they transition to the "real world" and beyond.

First of all find a safe place like a coffee shop, bar, restaurant, etc. for meetings. Most young adults are not going to come to you and will probably be leery of your motives. So no matter how much you may want them to come to worship and serve on the property committee...don't go there. 

Instead enter into the relationship with pure intentions, not expecting anything but rather seeking to offer support in a time of transition. If this isn't your goal. If you want young adults to save a dying Church or simply make your congregation look more hip, then this kind of outreach isn't for you. Most young adults will be in a state of transition for years to come so more than likely you will just be planting seeds not reaping a harvest of new volunteers or lifetime members.

And finally, trust yourself. Older adults have much to offer those who are younger. You are an expert on the real world whether you want to be or not. Your wisdom and support can be a great blessing!