Programs and Big Events aren't the answer

When Churches think about how to connect with young adults they usually have a programmatic mindset. The typical process goes something like this...

1) Create a new worship service with a hip one word name...something edgy like "Fuel" or "Journey".

2) Hire a hip young Pastor to staff said service. Having an earring and/or tattoo is preferable, but a snappy dresser will do.

3) Create a whole host of programs that cater to young adult needs. Make Jesus seem like a young adult and they'll like him more.

Churches spend a lot of money and time developing strategies like this for reaching young adults. And they almost always fail.

Churches fail because they try too hard. They swing for the fences right away, hoping to hit a home run  with big events and programs. But what if that isn't what young adults are actually yearning for? And what if that's not what much Churches are good at anyway?

In his book about College students Sociologist Tim Clydesdale has this to say about the spiritual needs of young adults...

The need for support from clergy and other religious leaders runs high among these teens during the first year after high school, and it is costly support. Programmatic approaches are of little interest; one-on-one conversations with trusted and religiously respected adults are most desired. 

Clydesdale, Tim (2007-05-15). The First Year Out: Understanding American Teens after High School (Morality and Society Series) (Kindle Locations 4221-4225). University of Chicago Press - A. Kindle Edition.

This is good news for Churches. Relationships and community are two things that the Church can do well, and it turns out that is what young adults most need. Althought Clydesdale is focusing on College students in this statement my experience with recent College graduates is that this remains the most pressing need. And it's a much cheaper way to do ministry than putting an extreme rock climbing wall in your Church.

This kind of one on one relational strategy for ministry may not cost much in terms of dollars, but it costs a lot in terms of time and effort. In order to be effective it also requires more people to be involved than the paid ministry staff. Which is probably why so many Churches opt for the big event type of ministry with young adults. But there's something to be said for focusing on the things you do well.