Bucking a trend, these churches figured out how to bring millennials back to worship

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I get that the typical Catholic parish is a world away from a “black Baptist church” (a fairly progressive one at that) with a 21 year old pastor (!) assisted by his 19 year old wife or even a new start-up non-denominational church co-pastored by a 36/37 year old couple.

Yet among all the comments that make most of us turn up our noses and give thanks to God for semi-retired octogenarian priests and Gregorian Chant, this article is filled with a lot of information that deserves to be pondered – at least for those with open minds and the ability to see past all the noise.

"I wasn’t trying to force anyone in the church to become younger. I just wanted those we were trying to reach to feel welcomed.”

“Your budget will tell you what you believe in,” AD3 says. “Don’t tell me you’re trying to reach millennials when the largest portion of your budget is going toward the senior chess club.”

“Those things are just the medium. It’s what you use to connect to the people,” Kyle says. “Free coffee isn’t the answer to people’s problems, but it does invite community. It’s about the message more than the make-up.”

“There is strength and value in every generation,” AD3 says. “But even with that in mind, we all should be more focused on who we’re trying to reach instead of who we’re trying to retain.”

I wonder what Pope Francis would think about this article? It’s worth a quick read…

Bucking a trend, these churches figured out how to bring millennials back to worship
 
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Maybe some Protestants on here can elaborate on this, but I find myself scratching my head sometimes about how non-Catholic religious ministers are given responsibilities within their demnominaiton. It seems like our requirements for priests are more stringent.
 
The importance of making people feel welcomed into a community and having a strong fellowship component to Sundays.
 
I get the article, but I think that sort of modernization has had a reverse affect on the Catholic Church. That sort of “feel good” simple sing along worship often appeals to those who are ignorant of the Truths and wisdom of Catholicism, which instead relies on Tradition and ritual as part of its foundation. Many of the young faithful Catholics today enjoy those meaningful rituals.

But of course making people feel welcome is always something that should be encouraged.
 
misstherese said:
I get the article
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I suspect you don’t. Not if you think this article is about “modernization.” It’s clearly not.

To a large degree the article really isn’t applicable to the Catholic Church in many cases – there aren’t about to be 21 year old married pastors in the Catholic Church for instance.

But for those willing to think with an open mind, there are plenty of nuggets throughout the article worth pondering.

It really is wonderful every now and then to consider just how much some Catholic parishes could improve if terribly deleterious constraints could be removed – and no, I’m not taking about “modernization” or anything along those lines.
 
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Well it is, as they mentioned several times how traditional churches don’t do it for young people and that bringing about change is what led to so many young people flooding in.

I would fit into the age range of this group and I can tell you this is something that would not pull me in. (not saying this is the reason you posted this). But even when I was not very religious, a lukewarm Catholic, being forced to go to Catholic youth rallies was pure torture. It all felt kind of phoney to me.

I appreciate you posting this though as I do think fellowship is something that should have more importance in the Church.
 
I guess having a welcoming church is important, but it’s only for some people. It makes me uncomfortable when I go to church and they expect me to be all social and talkative with people. It probably makes me sound mean, but I honestly don’t want to talk to anyone at my church.
I personally don’t like specialized outreach that’s focused on specific groups of people. Whenever a group tries to get me interested by being all modern or techy (I’m just a bit younger than millennials), I find it very off putting.
 
Duesenberg said:
“Don’t tell me you’re trying to reach millennials when the largest portion of your budget is going toward the senior chess club.”
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hehh… this gave me a good chuckle. Nothing wrong with catering to a specific audience but you’ve gotta be honest; that’s seriously accurate
 
America Magazine had recently a similar article.

I have to agree with @Duesenberg. Aside from Mass, which is sacred, I can’t find much that appeals to me in any parishes in the 5 km radius of mine.

Sure, there are clubs but they cater towards retired people, and after some previous tries, who are very reluctant to try out new ways of doing things. And those clubs happen during the daytime where I am at work.

The majority of Mass goers in Australia are over 55 females, who were born overseas and have a high school education and some trade or certificate study.

The future of parishes is dire.
 
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misstherese said:
Well it is, as they mentioned several times how traditional churches don’t do it for young people and that bringing about change is what led to so many young people flooding in.

I would fit into the age range of this group and I can tell you this is something that would not pull me in. (not saying this is the reason you posted this). But even when I was not very religious, a lukewarm Catholic, being forced to go to Catholic youth rallies was pure torture. It all felt kind of phoney to me.

I appreciate you posting this though as I do think fellowship is something that should have more importance in the Church.
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No, it’s not…

It’s about actually ministering to people. Understanding what they are seeking and then doing everything possible to give people what they need with respect to worshiping God.

If Pastor AD3 sensed that people were tired of the status quo, if he sensed his congregation wanted/needed highly solemn “bells and smells” services, he would have provided them because it’s clear he listens to their needs.

I think a lot of Catholics would be amazed if their pastors truly tried to find out what they wanted and then tried to provide it.

You want a quick a capella in-and-out Mass at 07:00? We can accommodate that.

You want the full bells and smells at 09:00 prefaced by a Rosary? OK.

You want a family-friendly Mass at 11:00? We can do that!

You want a Charismatic Renewal Mass at 10:00 PM? We’ll do our best!

It’s not about “modernization.” It’s about listening and ministering. Concepts so foreign to us at times that we discount their value.
 
Now don’t get me wrong, some in the Church try to address decreasing attendance with innovations, rather than actually ascertaining what their people want/need.

That’s where the drum sets and electric guitars come out of nowhere. In some cases they might be appropriate but in far too many they just make things worse.
 
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Duesenberg said:
It’s not about “modernization.” It’s about listening and ministering. Concepts so foreign to us at times that we discount their value.
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Duesenberg said:
Now don’t get me wrong, some in the Church try to address decreasing attendance with innovations, rather than actually ascertaining what their people want/need.
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The majority of Mass attendees in Australia over 55 years old, and have been at their parish for over 5 years. What they want usually trumps over what a group of young adults puts forward because the priest doesn’t want to alienate those who are involved in the parish right now, and they don’t have the time (or ability) to provide other ministry outside of what is happening now.

Status quo.
 
I actually don’t take America Magazine too seriously, but I really do wonder if the Church knows how to attract Catholics back to Mass?

Hints: The status quo isn’t going to do it; nor is “modernization”; nor is pushing the EF Mass.

It’s going to require listening to the needs of individual Catholics.

Sometimes I wonder if my city would do well with a “Catholic club”? A central club where Catholics could go to after Mass at their home parishes for coffee, fellowship, simple meals, mini-courses, etc., etc. that so many parishes seem to lack?
 
It’s not about modernising at all. But yes the status quo does have something to do with it. If you want to attract young people (which are not currently part of the status quo in Australia) then you have to listen to them and cater for them.

By listening and catering for them, you may alienate your existing parishioners.

A Catholic club might be nice, but again, young people are busy (work, study, family)—and I would bet if there was such a club here in my city, it would be 30 kms away in a southern suburb.

Parishes need to address this on their home turf, in a way that addresses their community needs. Like you said, individual care and changes.
 
That was a good article in America. Thank you.

I had to chuckle about you comment about clubs…

My parish just had a a “Parish Advent Retreat.” It was on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00 AM. I almost had to laugh when I read the announcement. I’ll bet less than 10 took part.
 
America Magazine does sometimes have great long articles that delve into a topic. Happy to hear that you enjoyed reading that one.

Yes, I mean, 10am—who is that for? For everyone who already is part of the furniture! I don’t mean that in the wrong way, they also need to be catered for. But this is a clear example that these offerings do nothing for young adults and their families.

But like America Magazine argues—segregating young adults with Youth Masses, and “youth” events doesn’t help because once they graduate from those, they feel so out of place in the regular community.

Young people need to be involved in the broader community, and have offerings that also allow everyone in the community to join them.
 
I agree very much. It’s as if those in charge really don’t care what those in the pews need in terms of spiritual nourishment.

“All you need is a validly celebrated Mass. If that doesn’t do it for you, then the problem is with you. Pray more!” 😦
 
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Yeah, fellowship is great. Good fellowship can and does attract people to the pews. But then there is this from the article:
“Worshipers say the church offers a comfortable judgment-free environment.”
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That kind of sends up red flags, don’t you think? Are they trying to save souls, or not? Christianity is not merely a social club. Eternity is a long, long time.
 
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