In most religious groups today, young-adult participation is not nearly what it once was, and many attempts to re-engage with that age group have not been successful. A news story last week tells of a new approach to young-adult ministry, one that can be called the “better-than-nothing model.” It involves efforts among synagogues in Washington, D.C., to expose Jewish young adults to some Jewish experience, even if the effort does not build attendance or membership in the congregations, figuring that minimal exposure is better than none at all.
While the story centers on synagogues, the absence of young adults is also a factor in Christian churches. This week we consider how we might minister to that age group, even if there is no immediate payoff for our congregation. Secondarily, we will also consider some of the implications of “church hopping.”
