1. Tips to Develop a Young Adult Ministry in 21st Century
Amelia Dewberry
Riley Hill Baptist Church
Spring Institute WMBA
April 15, 2015

2. Objectives Identify group about which our discussion will be
Determine what might be done for young adults to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ
Discuss potential challenges of a Young Adult Ministry
Discuss potential solutions to challenges of a Young Adult Ministry
A Dewberry, Spring Institute WMBA
April 15, 2015

3. Identify group about which our discussion will be
This population is from 18 to 35 years of age
Most are postmodern individuals
Spiritual paramedics for others of the age group
The belief must be that they are vital to the church
Statistics indicate only 20% of churches have any type of ministry for young adults
Ministry must be developed out of love for this age group, to lead the postmodern to Christ and to nurture them in the faith
Not to grow the church
Not for financial increase
The age varies from 18 to 30 to 18 to 33 to 18 to 35
If we are to reach this age group it will be best done by members of the group
Whether we accept it or not, they are vital to t he church
If only 20% of churches have Young Adult Ministries, 80% of the churches are not adequatelly meeting the needs of this population
Though growing the church and increasing financial resources may be by products of the Young Adult Ministry, the reason to develop such a ministry must be out of love for the group.
Postmoderns listen differently , love transpanency, perfer authenticity to authority
Postmodern acquires knowledge based on experimental learning as opposed to rationalism
Post modern thinkers accept and value transparency, genuineness, relevancy, and applicability
A Dewberry, Spring Institute WMBA
April 15, 2015

4. Determine what might be done for young adults to grow in the grace and knowledge of God
Survey or find a way to determine who the young adults are in your congregation and possibly, community
Compile a contact list (name, , phone number) from the survey
What are some ways you can create this list to include people from the community if your plan will include them?
Invite interested people in the target age to brainstorm and discuss the type, time and location of a potential weekly meeting/class. Don’t be afraid to spend a few months to plan.
Give a few minutes for participants to identify ways to create a contact list.
A Dewberry, Spring Institute WMBA
April 15, 2015

5. Determine what might be done for young adults to grow in the grace and knowledge of God
Get the young adults involved in developing the Young Adult Ministry
What are some ideas for topics of discussion?
By asking them what they are looking for in a ministry, you will unlock a wealth of knowledge, engage their interest, and build friends
They are not likely to buy into something created for them as opposed to created by them
If it is their ministry, they will advance it, advertise it, and own it.
Young adults have access to more information than any prior generation
Allow participants 3 to 5 min to determine ideas for topics of discussion. Ask as good as this list might be, who has been left out of the ideas for topics? The must be includei
A Dewberry, Spring Institute WMBA
April 15, 2015

6. Determine what might be done for young adults to grow in the grace and knowledge of God
Take advantage of technology especially social media as a way to communicate
They know better than anyone what they want
We know they need the word but we must position them to receive it
We must find the balance that allows God’s word to be proclaimed in a way that speaks to the culture in which they live
You must have a leadership team that comes from the group.
Get young adults to think by asking the right questions.
When you ask questions, you create an approachable atmosphere.
Allow someone the privilege of serving as leader of the group, preferably from the group
A Dewberry, Spring Institute WMBA
April 15, 2015

7. Determine what might be done for young adults to grow in the grace and knowledge of God
Plan social events. Give opportunity to connect with one another in an informal atmosphere.
Keep an open mind as to what is acceptable
That which is not in direct contradiction to the word that is suggested by the young adults should be considered
The postmodern believe experiencing God brings about right teaching
A Dewberry, Spring Institute WMBA
April 15, 2015

8. Challenges and of a Young Adult Ministry
What are some challenges you have had in beginning/developing an effective young adult ministry?
Financial resources
Finding a time that meets their busy schedules
Impressing upon them the need to prioritize in ministry
Failing to value what young adults know
Hence turning them off to growing the more
Possible mission: To encourage young adults to “Grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” and to encourage growth in others
You will decide the best way to facilitate the growth
Allow participants to identify challenges before advancing through those listed.
A Dewberry, Spring Institute WMBA
April 15, 2015

9. Potential solutions to challenges of a Young Adult Ministry
We did not mention that first step in developing any ministry is to pray
The one who is to begin the development of the Young Adult Ministry, Pray
All who attend any meeting to develop the Young Adult Ministry, Pray
Enlist your intercessory prayer team, to Pray
Add solutions from the audience
A Dewberry, Spring Institute WMBA
April 15, 2015

10. References https://www.ewtn.com/library/YOUTH/YTHGROUP.TXT
slideshow/253
eda%7D/SO%20YOU%20WANT2.PDF
Fullwood, Alfonza Preaching (Communication) to the Postmodern. Apex School of Theology.
Fullwood, Alfonza Preaching to the Postmodern. GBSC Congress of Christian Education.
A Dewberry, Spring Institute WMBA April 15, 2015