What does it mean to be United Methodist? Part One

"What does it mean to be United Methodist?"
Researchers have asked thousands of United Methodists around the world how they view the denomination. Where is God leading the church? How can the denomination do better? The results are compiled in the first phase of the "State of the Church" report. This first-ever report offers insights into the workings of The United Methodist Church, current challenges that it faces and areas for growth. If you would like to read the summary or the full report, please go to http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2733523/k.258/State_of_the_Church.htm .
I thought I might speak about some of the points made by the research in the next few newsletter articles I write.
Since I work with youth here at Salem, in the Fayetteville District, and across the Conference, this statement caught my eye: † Laity and clergy express a high level of desire to attract more young people, ages 18 to30, to the church but a much lower level of willingness to change practices and invest budgets to do so. (Pages 52-58)
Salem UMC believes in investing in our children and youth. In fact, we dedicate 11% of our budget to pay for staffing and materials for people under the age of 18. That is a great testament to our willingness to “Go and make disciples” in the name of Jesus Christ. However, if we are to keep children and youth connected to the Church in the long term, our current efforts will not be enough. The study indicates that youth and young adults prefer different practices such as types of music, styles of preaching, and are reached by different media than people of other generations.
For example, the Millennial Generation (those born between 1983 and 2003) is different than the Baby Boom Generation or even the Generation X age groups. They think differently because they are more right brained. They connect information differently because they do not process information linearly like every generation before them. They are highly visual learners. This means they lead, worship, and learn differently than many of us.
What does the Church need to do to connect these young people to the Church and ultimately to the God that loves them so much? Can we be brave enough to be in conversation with the Mosaic Generation and discover ways to make them feel welcome and engaged in worship? Can the Church be brave enough to preach differently or use different music to bring young people closer to God? What will we do in our new building that brings youth and young adults into the church here in Eastover?
We, in the Church globally and here at Salem UMC specifically, want our youth to grow up and be able to say as it does in Psalm 71, “For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.” So, I invite you to sit down with someone of a different generation. Ask that person what excites them about worship…What would make it more meaningful for him or her…What brings him or her closest to God…Why is the Church important…Why does God matter in 2008… Where is God leading the church… How can the denomination do better? Grab a glass of iced tea and enjoy fellowship and holy conversation with brothers and sisters in Christ. Remember, when two or more are gather, Christ will be with you!
Conversationally yours,
Pastor Mary Frances