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Reaching Young Adults. Bob Mayfield Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Reaching Young Adults. Don’t criticize or ridicule other religions. Be non-judgmental about individuals. Focus on the positives of following Jesus. Research is better than personal opinion when expressing truth.
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Reaching Young Adults Bob Mayfield Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma
Reaching Young Adults Don’t criticize or ridicule other religions. Be non-judgmental about individuals. Focus on the positives of following Jesus. Research is better than personal opinion when expressing truth.
Postmoderns are drawn to relationships (Myspace and Facebook). They are service-oriented. They want to make a difference in their community and world.
Postmoderns desire deeper Bible study. They are repelled by being preached at. Postmoderns want to discover truth – Especially through meaningful conversation.
Postmoderns are more interested in following Jesus and changing the world than not going to hell.
Oklahoma Young Adult Research 16 Churches • 8 SBC • 8 non-SBC Best Practices Research Must reach and keep YA’s
Small Groups Effective • Authentic • YA’s want to know God (Boomers want to know about God) • Keep the groups small Ineffective • Do NOT focus on single or married (focus on who they are, not their marital status)
Missions Missions definitely engages this age group • 9/11 • Katrina • Tsunami in southeast Asia Include both local and overseas Get YA’s involved in service ASAP (within 6 months)
Worship • YA’s drawn to worship styles that reflects their generation’s music and culture • Young Adult services are increasing • Full of energy
Technology • YA’s are integrated with technology, not a toy or a tool, it just is • Simulcasts, digital screens • Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc) • Text questions to pastor during worship, pastor answers at end service
Sunday School • Most of these 16 churches do home groups, not SS Keys • Informal • Real discussion, no lecture, no SS answers • Be deep theologically • Lessons are not 60 minutes, lessons may last weeks • Hang out times
Mentoring • YA’s like “life on life” living • Mentoring needs to be informal • The “skip” generation (grandparents) • Share mentoring in “story” form
Key Takeaways • Size is not the issue, relationships is the key • Build core leaders first • Provide lots of opportunities for YA’s to get involved • Do NOT be judgmental • Theology is essential (unchurched generation as children)