Young Adults

I'm not usually a big fan of LIFEWAY, but they do have excellent research staff and really do a great job on presenting their research in a way that engages the listener. As I prepare to lead a workshop of young adults at annual conference in two weeks, this video caught my attention. It provides a great overview of why young adults are disengaging from the church!

Speeches that Motivate

Okay, confession time, I LOVE MOVIES! I don't like movies, I love them. I also love a good sermon, speech or presentation. There are often moments in movies when the situation is dire, the circumstances are overwhelming, and there is little hope. At that moment the hero stands up before the faithful and urges them to believe the unbelievable, to reach beyond themselves and do the impossible.

It occurs to me that every Sunday those of us who open the Word of God each week attempt to do the same. We strive to hear the the voice of God in our hearts and share it with the faithful. To motivate them to believe the unbelievable, to reach beyond themselves and do the impossible. Perhaps if we do the preparation and bring the passion that these heroes do we can raise the bar on our preparation. I remain:

Consumed by the Call,
Marty

Stetzer Comments on Multi-Site Churches

Thoughtful comments on McChurches and multi-site. I too don't like the idea of creating rock star pastors but reaching more people is always the goal.

New Urbanism: The Return of the Neighborhood Church?

There is a move that I've been observing for the past ten years that is now being called "new urbanism." I saw it with the Meadowmont Community in Chapel Hill, and now in the newer developments in Asheville, NC. This movement is driving by our increasing desire to be in community and the realization that we have lost something vital to our existence, relationships. Moving to the suburbs, not knowing our neighbors, and removing ourselves from community has caused us to lose touch with those around us. "New urbanism" seems to be an attempt to reclaim that. I think in order to for it to work it will need three things.

1. A spiritual center: having shops and restaurants within walking distance won't create community if there isn't a place that touches the heart and not just the wallet. In the heart of Southern Village in Chapel Hill is Christ United Methodist Church, this congregation grounds the community and provides a spiritual center.
2. A diverse population: if these communities are simply places where wealthy, anglo people live sequestered life, they are only replacing the suburbs with another homogenous model in closer proximity. The diversity should not only be racial but economic as well. The community should represent the community.
3. A sense of purpose: the last component reflects the sense that the community will exist for something beyond increased property values and restrictive covenants. It can become a place of hope and community service.

For decades the United Methodist Church did an amazing job at planting neighborhood churches and becoming the spiritual center of communities. With the rise of "new urbanism" it may have that opportunity again. I pray that we can find a way to make these communities one of the ten thousand doors!

Here is a video that shows the concept of "new urbanism."

Great Leadership: Why Mentor?

Mentor now or suffer lack of leadership later. Currently the UMC is scrambling for leaders, why? Because we failed to cultivate a culture of leadership development. Its time for a change!

Great Leadership: Why Mentor?