Reaching Young Adults Bob Mayfield Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma

Don’t criticize or ridicule other religions. Be non-judgmental about individuals. Focus on the positives of following Jesus. Research is better than personal opinion when expressing truth. Reaching Young Adults

Postmoderns are drawn to relationships (Myspace and Facebook). They are service-oriented. They want to make a difference in their community and world.

Postmoderns desire deeper Bible study. They are repelled by being preached at. Postmoderns want to discover truth – Especially through meaningful conversation.

Postmoderns are more interested in following Jesus and changing the world than not going to hell.

Oklahoma Young Adult Research 16 Churches 8 SBC 8 non-SBC Best Practices Research Must reach and keep YA’s

Small Groups Effective Authentic YA’s want to know God (Boomers want to know about God) Keep the groups small Ineffective Do NOT focus on single or married (focus on who they are, not their marital status)

Missions Missions definitely engages this age group 9/11 Katrina Tsunami in southeast Asia Include both local and overseas Get YA’s involved in service ASAP (within 6 months)

Worship YA’s drawn to worship styles that reflects their generation’s music and culture Young Adult services are increasing Full of energy

Technology YA’s are integrated with technology, not a toy or a tool, it just is Simulcasts, digital screens Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc) Text questions to pastor during worship, pastor answers at end service

Sunday School Most of these 16 churches do home groups, not SS Keys Informal Real discussion, no lecture, no SS answers Be deep theologically Lessons are not 60 minutes, lessons may last weeks Hang out times

Mentoring YA’s like “life on life” living Mentoring needs to be informal The “skip” generation (grandparents) Share mentoring in “story” form

Key Takeaways Size is not the issue, relationships is the key Build core leaders first Provide lots of opportunities for YA’s to get involved Do NOT be judgmental Theology is essential (unchurched generation as children)