The Best is Yet to Come
By Rev. John Foster, Ph.D., 6th Episcopal District
First Corinthians 2:9b says, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” I recently interviewed for a staff hire where a group of church members was invited to assist me in reviewing potential candidates. I have implemented this process on numerous occasions but this time, I was pleasantly surprised that the Millennial group members—who often don’t show up for this type of meeting—came out in mass. In actuality, they made up 50 percent of the group. The Millennials were fully engaged in the evaluation and discussions. In fact, their insight was invaluable in guiding me to reach a point of decision.
There is indeed hope for the future of our AME Zion. Let us continue to pray for and encourage our Millennials!
Yes, we do have challenges. In the 6th Episcopal District, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson constantly reminds us that “The average age of our church members is 67, while the average age of all African Americans is 32.” We acknowledge that we have a formidable hill to climb. However, God is blessing us with new worship paradigms and outreach ministries that are tailor-made to attract Millennials.
Many studies have been done on identifying ways for reaching out to Millennials. The United Methodist Church recently outlined some measures. They include making the church like the church, including relevant technology, conveying the right message, and creating a community. See https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/how-to-attract-millennials-to-your-church.
However, I would like to suggest that you and I consider additional measures aimed at inclusion and empowerment. They include making a conscious effort to appoint and nominate Millennials as stewards and trustees. Pair them with good mentors who have a love for “passing the baton.”
Include Millennials in your preference for board and auxiliary positions such as church school superintendent, lay president, WMS president, and Sons of Allen. A particular fertile field is in the appointment of a young adult pastor. Many of our churches have experienced youth pastors (grades K-12) or coordinators for years. Why not step out on faith to include the young adult age group.
Recommend Millennial pastors for new assignments and opportunities—not just church appointments but also annual conference and presiding elder district positions. Most Millennials understand the process of “climbing the ladder.” However, all of us need mentors—especially Millennials.
Investigate new worship paradigms. A great misconception is that Millennials don’t want to be involved with our church experiences. On the contrary, I believe that Millennials are seeking God today more than ever. It is up to you and me to find ways to attract, retain, and empower them to be a part of our local church body.
The late Rev. Dr. George Moore, Sr., the former pastor of St. Philip AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia, had lots of great one-liners that described his philosophy on how to build a church. One of his sayings was “People will join your church when they find something there that they can’t get anywhere else.” I pray that God continues to convict our hearts to continually find new ways to attract Millennials to our local church bodies.
John 10:10b says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” I am excited about the future of the AME Church! The Best is Yet to Come!
