Thinking and Doing Church Differently
By Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, Director of Christian Education and Benjamin Simmons, III, 11thEpiscopal District
Churches across the nation continue to address the challenges inherent in capturing millennials. Statistics and surveys point to the fact that Black millennials are more religious than other millennials but within that group, Black millennials reportedly skip church as early adults more than whites. Statistics like those reported by Adelle Banks and Nedra Rhone point to the struggle most congregations face. Despite the lack of church attendance, there two commonalities exist, “deep sense of wonder about the universe” and a strong tie to the “home church.”
“The ties that bind young people to church are deeply rooted in the strength of the programs from the Cradle Roll to adulthood,” says the Rev. Marvin Zanders, II of St. Paul AME Church in Jacksonville. For many years, the congregation has focused on strong links to each generation but especially to the young people.
On any given Sunday, Pastor Zanders provides tailored messages to children and youth, ages 4-11. He works collaboratively with the ministries of the church to intentionally lift young people through the robust “Pastor’s Pupils” program, Church School Convention, Christian Education Congress, Christian Debutante Master’s Commission Presentation, and scouting. Even the traditional places of service like the Music and Fine Arts Ministries, usher boards, and YPD have robust programming and participation. These ministries serve as the foundation to begin to attract and keep millennials attending and serving in the church.
While the RAYAC is beginning to get some traction, Zanders’s most successful ministry intended to undergird the burgeoning millennial population in the church is God’s Anointed Now Generation Ministry (G.A.N.G.). Youth, ages 12-26, are led by millennials. Each Sunday, their separate worship service addresses youth ministry in creative ways with deep attention to spiritual warfare and the only way that youth can survive in this world with voluminous competing priorities. To continue closing the generational gap, these millennials are collaborating with fellow ministers bringing the Word of truth directly to the church on levels and in the language that captures youthful attention and focus.
In the words of one millennial-aged minister, “It’s Difficult, but Worth It.” The millennial ministry at St. Paul is intentionally designed to stem the tide and reverse the challenging reality of reaching the “now” versus “next” generation. Pastor Zanders and the St. Paul Family have learned that in order to reach millennials, programs and services must have authenticity, redemption, reconciliation, and be relational in order to hold value for this disappearing group of churchgoers. The familiar scripture takes on new meaning and action in the millennial arena: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
