Generation in Conflict

Elias describes the "generation gulf' that now exists between the pre-war generation (born prior to 1946) and the post-war generation (born in 1946 and following). Differing attitudes about worship, leadership, small groups and traditional schedules have led to rising tensions in churches across the country. Elias argues that reaching today's young adults will require changes in many of our time-honored human traditions.

Neglecting a Generation

Ellas points out that many of the characterizations of the post-war generation are true. Many of them are selfish, materialistic and undisciplined. They are the exact type of people that Christ died to save. The church cannot afford to ignore today's young adults.

Widespread research has demonstrated that a congregation's growth is closely. tied to its ability to attract 18 to 39 year olds. While "older adults provide the stabilizing foundation," it is the young adults who "provide the atmosphere for growth."

Leadership Choices

Ellas has uncovered significant findings relating to staffing and style of leadership. According to his research, growing churches average one full-time minister for every 125 to 150 people in assembly attendance. He found that adequate staffing "correlates not only with growth, but with most vital aspects of church life."

In growing churches, the preacher sees himself as one of the leaders of the congregation. He is under the elders' authority, but he understands his own ability to "catalyze the congregation into action for growth." The elders in growing churches are men who emphasize spiritual renewal, vision and planning. They practice an open style of leadership that encourages participation of the members.

Worship Choices

According to Ellas' in-depth study, the number one growth factor is the "worship assembly's ability to attract new members between the ages of 20 and 39." While he does not recommend using the taste of young adults as the ultimate criteria for our assemblies, he does suggest some ways of biblically improving worship. Young adults are drawn to churches that celebrate their faith and are warm and friendly. Biblical, relevant sermons and a balanced music style also enable churches to reach out effectively.

Involvement Choices

Elias discovered that growing churches average 6 groups per 100 members, while declining churches average 4 groups per 100 members. These groups include home Bible studies, ministry teams, Bible classes and recreational groups. Growing groups have a clear purpose, an appropriate size and adequate facilities. Growing churches are constantly starting new groups in order to reach and integrate new members and young adults. Elias did not find a significant correlation between growth and the number of volunteer jobs. However, "job assignments did prove important in closing the back door." Churches that have low involvement levels may need to hire additional staff. Ministry staff "have a critical role in organizing, recruiting and motivating volunteers."

Outreach Choices

Not surprisingly, Elias found a strong correlation between growth and evangelism. Growing churches and declining churches are equally effective in terms of baptizing their own children (2 per 100 members). However, growing churches baptize 5 adults per 100 members, while declining churches baptize only 2 adults per 100 members. Rather than seeing evangelism as a confrontational event, Elias portrays it as a relational process. Confrontation yields greater short-term results, but long-term retention is better with friendship evangelism. Elias recommends the establishment of entry points (outreach events), pathways (ongoing exposure to a small group of Christians) and personal invitations to follow Jesus.

Identity Choices

Many churches have become ineffective in evangelism and apathetic about growth. Fortunately, churches and their leaders have a choice. They can plant and water faithfully, allowing God to give the increase. Or they can neglect to plant and water and allow churches to wither.