In this issue:

Moving Beyond Geographic Boundaries

The Younger Unchurched and
the Churches that Reach Them

The Right Question

The future of American religion is in the hands of adults now in their twenties and thirties.

Robert Wuthnow

Moving Beyond Geographic Boundaries
By Jim Downing

Where is your church called to serve? Many churches think of their outreach area in limited geographical terms. By this measure, the growth potential in First Sedalia United Methodist Church (UMC) might not seem promising. Sedalia, Missouri, a town of 21,000, has been the same size for nearly 50 years. It is stable but not growing. Established by a circuit rider in 1861, First UMC is one of seven United Methodist congregations in the town and one of fifteen in a county of 34,000 that has experienced only modest growth over the past decade.

Yet since 1997, average worship attendance at First UMC has increased from just over 100 to 857; and its membership has grown from 498 to 1,040, with sixty-five percent of the new members being new believers. Using multi-site ministry and digital outreach, the congregation has challenged traditional understandings of boundaries and transcended many of the issues that seem to stymie the growth of so many congregations.

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The Younger Unchurched and the Churches that Reach Them

The following are summary conclusions from a study of young people not active in church and practices likely to help churches reach emerging generations.

1. Young adults are trying to connect and will make a lasting connection wherever they can find belonging. Churches that are effective at reaching and developing young adults place a high value on community and are using small groups to build that community.
   
   
2. Young adults want to be a part of something bigger than themselves and are looking to be a part of an organization where they can make a difference through acts of service. More than ever before, young adults are thinking locally and globally about how they can make a lasting impact. Churches that are reaching young adults are successful in providing opportunities for service.

The Right Question

Leaders do not need answers.
Leaders must have the right questions.

Every few months a church staff uses these questions of each other to take the pulse of the congregation.

What are the most common complaints we are hearing?
What are the most common requests we are hearing?

Editors:  Lovett H. Weems, Jr. and Ann A. Michel
Production and distribution: Carol Follett