Young People Are *Returning to Church.
As younger adults—especially Gen Z and Millennials—begin returning to church, it's tempting to celebrate this as a sign of spiritual renewal. But as Dr. James Tyler Robertson points out in a recent Ministry Forum Podcast episode, we should be cautious before drawing conclusions. New research from Barna reveals a complex picture: the increase is driven primarily by young men, while young women, particularly single mothers, are disengaging. This shift calls for deeper reflection. Rather than rushing to capitalize on attendance trends, ministry leaders are invited to listen well, consider who’s not in the room, and faithfully discern what the Spirit might be doing in this moment. This is not just a resurgence—it’s a realignment. And it demands our careful, curious attention.
Creative Ways to Welcome New Members
Welcoming new members or attendees to your church is an important act of hospitality. Here are several creative ways you can consider welcoming new people into your church.
16 Things to Consider When Creating a New Members Class
Creating a new members class or program is essential for helping newcomers feel welcome, understand the church's mission and values, and become active participants in the community. Here are key considerations based on insights from the provided resources
Featured Resource: STUCK
Could it be that the congregational model as it has evolved over the decades is contributing to ordained ministers (and I’d also wonder about paid staff, volunteers, and lay leaders too) feeling constrained or hindered, even fed up with the structure of Church while at the same time not losing their love for the Gospel?
Well, you’ll need to read the book to draw your own conclusions.
Measuring Success in Ministry
How do you measure success? What is success in ministry? What does that even look like? And by what metrics do we measure such things?
In the congregational setting, it is so often Sunday attendance and offerings. Is that the best way to measure the present reality we are facing.