Church: Are We relevant?

It is amazing to talk to teenagers about faith and what they believe. This generation is much more clued up on what they believe than what we give them credit for.
The problem is that many committed young people(15-35) break away from main stream churches. In recent studies by a Princeton workgroup in Religion working on this subject they were asked why they are not comfortable in these churches. The research was done online and platforms like facebook and other social networks were used. Teens and Young people from all over the world gave their opinion. Six areas of concern were identified and the next stage would be to start conversations about these concerns.
These conversations will take place on the different Social platforms where the people taking part in the conversations will give suggestions to the main stream Church how to overcome these problems. If you are between the age of 15-35 you are welcome to give your opinion on these six areas. If you are older your commentary are also welcome but please state that you are older that this group.  Here is the six areas of concern identified by over 9 000 teens and young adults:

1. Main stream Churches care more about “their way of believe”(dogma) than people or God.
2. Main stream Churches are constantly promoting their programs and there is no sense of relationship. There is a need for deep caring relationships and this excludes cell groups following programs.(These relationships is found in Social Networks)
3. Main stream Churches employ Pastors who are “Managers and CEO’s”  They go where they find Pastors who are real, approachable and involved in everyday life. Pastors who are modelling (and here is that big word again) Relationships outside the church.
4. Sermons: There is a major need for Biblical teaching where the sermon is at the centre of the event. Although prayer and worship is important they are going to church with their main focus – the Sermon.
5. 38% of these Young people do not belong to a Church but a community of believers(social network) that download sermons “podcasts”. Usually their focus would be on a series of sermons or a Series on a Bible book.
6. Main stream Churches is slow when it comes to Technology. Podcast, Blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other Social networks is where theology are discussed in detail. These platforms are much more open and tolerant. Here they can partake in the discussion as a equal, setting their own pace. Talking and reading about things that is relevant to them.

The issue now is not if they are right or wrong – but how we are going to respond as Church.

Jimi Le Roux pointed out that it is the same conclusions as UnChristian van Barna et al. Thanks Jimi