"What does it mean to be United Methodist?" Part Three

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.
Today’s thought is about involving the Millennial Generation in church leadership.
Quoting the State of the Church summary, “The membership of The United Methodist Church is aging. And little indicates the church is effectively reaching out, or is willing to reach out, to attract younger people. The gap between rhetoric and action appears to be as large as the age gap that some believe threatens the future viability of the denomination.
In the attitudes and opinions survey, three out of four pastors and four out of five laypersons strongly agree, “It is extremely important to attract more young people, aged 18 to 30, to the Church.”
Yet, when it comes to taking specific steps to attract younger generations, few agree on what to do”:
† One in three laypersons strongly agrees with the statement “my church is willing to change/add alternative worship options to attract young people.”
† Barely one in five clergy strongly agrees with that statement.

Respondents were asked about their willingness to reallocate resources to attract young people:
† 30 percent of the lay respondents and 27 percent of the clergy strongly agree. Laity give a higher priority for evangelism among young people than their pastors:
† Nearly six in 10 laypersons strongly agree with the statement: “The church needs to give more attention/priority to evangelism to attract young people.”
† Slightly more than four in 10 pastors strongly agree.

Wow, either we pastors are a jaded lot or perhaps we are out of touch with what young people are like or the importance of their presence to the present and future of the church! So, lay people, give yourselves a pat on the back for being more concerned about the salvation of people under the age of 30 than the pastors.

When I was a youth, I resented the statement, “Youth are the church of tomorrow.” I felt like if I was present in worship, sang in the choir, played in the handbell choir, and led the youth group, then I should be counted in the church of TODAY! I still feel strongly that youth are the church now and in the future. How is Salem UMC embracing that thought? Are youth participating in committees? Are they helping the church make decisions? Do the youth serve?

I believe we, at Salem, are on the right track. We spend a good portion of our budget on youth and children’s programming. If you look around during every worship service, we have youth serving as acolytes, singing in the choir, and occasionally reading scripture. Yet, I have noticed an absence of youth at committee meetings. Are we specifically inviting youth to share their voice in the process? The youth group has pledged money to the building campaign. Do any of them serve on the building committee? Youth lead in worship every Sunday. Have any of them been invited to participate in the worship committee?

Youth, this next section is for you! Have you ever complained about something that happened at church? What did you do about it? Did you leave it at complaining or are you ready to pony up and do something about it? Does the Church matter enough to your life to give up a Wednesday evening for a meeting?

Salem UMC is a wonderful place where people from all generations gather to worship our God. I invite all of us, from the smallest to the tallest, to participate in the worship life, in discipleship, and in the administration of the church.

Invitationally yours,


Pastor Mary Frances