This topic is one that has been addressed many times, by many people. Being in this category as a young professional myself, I don’t know if any real answers have been produced to the questions surrounding this group of people and the Church today. There have been groups specifically created to target this group of people, but have they been successful in anything but drawing in the college aged crowd or recent college graduates? Is there an answer for those older than this crowd? Is an answer needed?
My observations may be different from others, or exactly the same in some instances. These are things I see in my generation, and what I perceive. Many people are waiting to get married until they are older (25-30) and into their respective careers. This is group I’m interested in. Sure there are still some who think it’s a good idea to get married at 20 years old (I’ll refrain from giving my opinion here). Then, due to life, careers, continued education, and other circumstances are waiting to have children even later. There are many couples who aren’t having kids, or thinking about having kids until they’re 30 or older. So, what does the Church do with these people?
After college, what do churches want from these young professional? After leaving college, and working full time jobs, college services/groups no longer appeal to the 22-25 year old group (or those even older). It seems the next group of people within the church are those involved with young children and participating in events that target their children. Where does that leave the group who graduated college, waited to get married, and doesn’t have kids? When you attend a church that already targets a younger generation with Saturday and Sunday services, the style of the services, the music, and the messages themselves (or the formulation of them), does this group need anything else?
Community seems to be the word used by most to describe what young professionals desire. Do small groups or something similar not offer this? Is this group not happy with intelligently driven conversation among peers in a small group, or is something else really needed? I can speak for myself, and I believe my spouse, and several friends, that another church/worship service just isn’t appealing. If there is no chance for me to learn something, discuss deeper theological issues, and connect with peers, then what would drive me to attend another service? Personally, I’m not going to invite another young engineer, doctor, financial adviser, or teacher to one of these gatherings if I know I don’t enjoy them myself. These groups of people would be more apt to attend something targeting social justice, something that promotes community, or a casual dinner or weekend trip.
Do young professionals really need another service? In what areas of the local church should they be involved? What you you want?
A problem well stated is a problem half solved – Charles Kettering
