Introduction
The present document is a report on a year’s worth of research,
investigating the question: Why don’t young adults go to church? This work should be considered only an
introduction to the vast field of young adult ministry. It is not comprehensive, nor exhaustive of
the possibilities, the problems and the oddities of young adult ministry.
This work was done through a unique relationship between First
Congregational Church of Somerville and the Massachusetts Conference
of the United Church of Christ.
The main locus of this research is based in the Cambridge/Somerville
area, centered on
The first section is a brief introductory paper to
Generation X. The paper serves as a
broad overview of some of the generational differences and needs. The second section is a report on one-on-one
interviews held with young adults. And
all the (many) pages following are resources that have been developed in the
year’s work. These include workshops,
worship services, events and sermons.
They help to give a flavor of the work and possible directions of this
work.
The number one conclusion this paper draws is that the most
important task of a young adult minister is listening. Any pastor who attempts to engage in a process
to draw in young adults must listen to real, live young adults and
determine their needs. It may be helpful
to keep that in mind as you read this report.
A biblical passage that was passed to me signifies this
work to a tee:
So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to
share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you
have become very dear to us.
1 Thessalonians 2:8
Acknowledgements
and Thanks
Before I begin this report, it is important
for me to acknowledge the people who made this year’s research and
investigation possible. I would like to
thank the Massachusetts
Conference of the United Church of Christ for their financial
contribution. Thank you to Carl McDonald
and Susan Dickerman; your support and assistance helped this to be a project I
have enjoyed and found God in.
I’d like to thank the members of First
Congregational Church of Somerville for giving me a chance. No one, including myself, really knew what
the year was going to look like, and what my relationship to the church would
be. Hilary Martin Himan was a great
support and co-lead “Sex and the Bible” with me. The young adults, the choir, and every member
of the congregation at
Thank you to the many individuals who were willing to talk
to me and who shared their stories.
And a special thanks goes to Reverend Heather
Kirk-Davidoff. Heather initiated this
idea and worked hard to build the relationship between Somerville and the Massachusetts
Conference. She donated her time and
energy in supervision and encouraged me in this project. Her patience, persistence, encouragement and
support helped me push to new questions and have the confidence to say what
needs to be said. Thank you, Heather!
And to you, the reader.
If you’re reading this, you’re listening. May God’s peace and love be with you through
your journey.