Spiritually Vital and Alive Creating Inspiring and Contemporary Worship Dr. Michael Tino UUA Director of Young Adult and Campus Ministry General Assembly 2006 – St. Louis, MO

Goals for Participants Understand what young adults want from worship experience Take a look at our current worship services through young adult eyes Learn a model for UU contemporary worship Get practical ideas for implementing contemporary worship in your congregations

The Hard Data, Part 1 Interfaith survey of congregations done in 2000 (2005 data are being analyzed now) Over 500 UUA member congregations responded Congregations self- identified descriptions that matched them

FACT facts 5% of UU congregations reported 60% or more young adult members What makes these congregations different?

Congregational Culture Largest difference between high-YA and overall: “Spiritually vital and alive” #1 among high-YA congregations: “Inspirational and uplifting worship services” #1 among shrinking congregations: “A close-knit family”

Descriptions of Worship Descriptions used more often by high-YA congregations than the overall include: Sense of God’s presence Exciting Predictable Reverent

Initial Data from FACT 2005 Congregations with 40% or more young adults (11% of total) were more likely to report “exciting” and “joyful” worship Congregations with 20% or more young adults (45% of total) were more likely to report “joyful” and “inspiring” worship Congregations with less than 10% young adults (20% of total) were more likely to report “informal” worship

The Hard Data, Part 2 80% of 1st year students are interested in spirituality 76% searching for meaning and purpose 48% “seeking,” “conflicted,” or “doubting” UU students score highest on: measures of social justice involvement spiritual searching respect for different religious viewpoints UU students score lowest on: religious commitment

The Hard Data, Part 3 Generation Y is diverse, progressive and pluralistic 23% do not identify with any faith group Faith expressed in highly personal ways 35% describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious”

Anecdotal Evidence What do young adults want from worship? Energetic, alive, spiritual “Makes you feel something” Embodied Multiple voices/perspectives Participatory Welcoming Not in the morning

Worship In Your Congregation What might young adults think of it? What does a typical order of service look like? How would you describe the music that is performed? What is the feeling of the worship service? What topics are addressed? How are new people welcomed? How are young adults welcomed?

The “Sermon Sandwich” Does your worship look like this?

What does “contemporary worship” mean to you?

“Contemporary” does not mean: stupid irrational loud coming from a particular theology irrelevant to people who are not 18-35

Sandwiches vs. Platters A multicultural metaphor

Some Existing Models Circle Worship Covenant Groups Soulful Sundown and other music-centered services

Circle Worship Intimate, participatory worship Participants share reflections on a theme Similar to most UU youth worship Main drawback: severe size limitation

Covenant Groups Not your typical “worship” Covenant groups offer an atmosphere like circle worship Small Group Ministry model is adaptable for different sizes of groups Resources available from UUA to implement YA groups

Soulful Sundown & Other UU Ideas Soulful Sundown Energetic evening worship format Music is central to worship format Resource guide available from UUA Bookstore Multimedia aspects add to worship experience Message is given in short segments Can be based on poetry, jazz for contemplative, reflective mood Rituals such as silent candle-lighting

Tips for Contemporary Worship Spice it up—with different perspectives, different voices, fresh music Give people the message in manageable bites Create a spiritual atmosphere and tone

More Tips Get out of the Sunday morning-only mold (think “both-and”) Think about adding multimedia components Balance intimacy and hospitality Ritual that is participatory and welcoming to newcomers

Hospitality is More than Worship Invite people to fuller participation in your congregation Young adult activities— social, social justice programs Small Group Ministry, Covenant Groups, classes, etc.

Outreach Web site Flyers, posters including catchy logo Know where young adults are in your community and how to reach them Press releases Advertising in local media

Budgets Large and Small How much does this all cost? Budget size depends largely on how ambitious a program you want Sometimes require start-up costs Costs could include budgets for: Hiring musicians Supplies for worship Outreach Food These programs will take staff and volunteer time and energy Successful programs are not built overnight

Resources from the UUA Consultations and trainings Phone or in-person consultations Local, district and regional trainings Printed Resources Soulful Sundown guide Covenant Group manual and curricula Grant money Program and staff grants from $500-$50,000 Billings Fund (up to $2000) for public events

Coming Soon: Contemporary Worship Conference Feb 22-24, 2007 First UU Church of San Diego, CA Workshop proposals due Sept 1 Scholarships will be available On-line registration coming soon

Contacting Us UUA Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry Michael Tino, director

On The Web Main web site for Young Adult & Campus Ministry On-line resources and tips for congregations UUA Youth & Young Adult database Register people, local groups, events