Getting Serious About Ministry to Young Families

As we prepare for the fall, there is a phrase that is oft-repeated in our church.  We need to do things to attract young families.  We feel that is the dynamic of growth and for a future in our church.  There are a couple of ways to consider that.  One is from a cynical point of view.  That point of view will say that "Of course that is what our church wants, it is what every church says it wants".

But aren't young families what are expected and desired in up and coming neighborhoods?  Kids playing, out and around, parents keeping a watchful eye, friendships built, a zone of safety created, isn't that the dream and aim of a great neighborhood?  Sounds a lot like Sesame Street, doesn't it?  We could do a lot worse for an inspiration!

The history of our church is one that appeals to and ministers to young families.  We have a tremendous legacy in Christian education that continues even as our membership has changed.  The time for children in the worship service is consistently the most memorable time in the worship and praise of God.  We have been clear and deliberate in what we have tried to build in Perth Amboy.

So what is the next step?  How does the church go about even more intentionally setting up for the lead of families in the worship of the Living God?  What steps forward are taken in the structure of the worship service?  In the various elements?  In the music?  In the preaching?  In the direction and tone of the liturgical elements?

I am not asking any of the questions of whether or not kids or young people can meaningfully participate in something like this.  The ministry of Camp Johnsonburg answered that question now and forever.  In fact, J-Burg's ways and methods of worship and bible study are precisely the places that I know we can go to in what comes next.

It is my experience that the truly exciting places to be to worship are those places that know what they are doing and why they are doing it-exciting for all ages.  We look forward to putting up the signs for our Neighborhood in God's Kingdom.