"Tell me about your church's discipleship ministries?" It's a question I ask pastors frequently at the retreats and conferences I attend. Most respond by outlining the age or lifestage-based set of programs we've all come to expect from a church. "Ok," I respond, "now biblically justify why you've structured your ministry that way." That's usually when they give me a curious look.
Building our church ministries around the assumption of marriage and children is certainly not wrong. The New Testament writers often apply the gospel to our most intimate relationships, and the household is a significant venue of discipleship. But fewer people live in nuclear families. Fewer people are getting married. Fewer people are having children. And those that do pursue marriage and children are waiting much longer to do so.
These trends and others are causing church leaders to reconsider a long-neglected area of discipleship—work. In a recent listening tour conducted by the editorial team here at Leadership Journal, we heard dozens of pastors around the country asking for help in reaching young adults. The data shows that Millennials are leaving the church in increasing numbers. This is the same generation that is delaying marriage until their late 20s or early 30s, and seeking more of their identity through their vocations. How can churches that are predicated on marriage and children engage this new generation?
A recent study by the Barna Group found that young adults who stay connected to a local church are 4 times more likely to say, "My church teaches me how the Bible relates to my career." This research has been confirmed by my own engagement with churches around the country. In cities like Portland, New York, Kansas City, and Long Beach I've found churches that have embraced the call to vocational discipleship, are effectively reaching young adults, and having a profound influence on their communities.
I've also seen another trend—most church leaders have no idea what vocational discipleship means. They have no theological foundation for affirming the work of their members outside the church. And they lack examples to follow as they seek to adjust their ministries to reach these young adults.
That's why we we're launching LJ Live: Redeeming Work.
We will be hosting six one-day gatherings in cities around the country to help pastors gain a vision, establish a theological foundation, and gain the practical tools for vocational discipleship. These accessibly sized gatherings will be different from the ministry conferences you may be familiar with. We'll be focusing more on helpful content than star-power presenters. You will also have the opportunity to interact with your peers in ministry in a creative environment (our first gathering will be held at a glass blowing studio), and engage directly with the presenters for dialogical learning.
The first few LJ LIVE events have already been set and more will be announced soon. I hope you will join us for this important topic.
Click below to learn more about the upcoming events:
