Young people are not just the future of the church; they are vital to the transmission of faith. Their energy can breathe new life into congregations, and their openness to new ideas and innovative thinking can enhance the diversity of church activities, making them more appealing to a broader audience. In addition, young individuals play a key role in today's society. By engaging with them, the church can extend its reach and impact, helping more individuals understand the Christian faith and strengthening the church's influence within the community.
However, during my time serving in the church, I have noticed a significant absence of young people, particularly in grassroots congregations.
Several factors contribute to this trend. Firstly, Christians remain a minority in China. According to "The Basic Viewpoint and Policy on the Religious Question during Our Country's Socialist Period" (Document No. 19) from 1982, the Christian population was approximately 700,000 at the start of the liberation, growing to about 3 million by the beginning of the "reform and opening-up" period (the "Document No. 19" period). The "White Paper on Freedom of Religious Belief in China" (the first "white paper" on religious freedom) published in 1997 indicated the number of Christians at around 10 million, while the "China's Policies and Practices on Protecting Freedom of Religious Belief" (the second "white paper" on religious freedom) released in 2018 reported approximately 38 million Christians. Despite this growth, the Christian population remains relatively small in a nation of over a billion people. This small percentage makes it challenging for the general public to fully understand Christianity, leading to misconceptions and misunderstandings about both the faith and its followers.
Secondly, faith often struggles to deliver tangible economic benefits. The gap between the rich and the poor in today's society is becoming increasingly pronounced, putting immense pressure on young people to focus on making money. Those outside the Christian faith are also less inclined to invest their time in pursuits that do not offer financial returns, as attending church offers little in terms of tangible benefits in their daily lives. Even young congregants who do attend church find themselves attending church less frequently due to the demands of family and work, prioritizing their financial responsibilities instead.
Moreover, the church often lacks appeal for younger generations. In urban areas, churches tend to attract a relatively higher number of young attendees; however, rural congregations often struggle to engage this demographic. I have recently been assigned to a rural church, and according to this year's statistics, out of 650 attendees, only 63—about one-tenth—are under the age of 50. While those in their 50s may not be considered "young," they represent the younger segment of this congregation, which is alarmingly scarce. Additionally, many churches tend to focus their ministries on the elderly, neglecting the spiritual needs of younger members. This lack of attention to youth pastoral care makes it harder to attract young people.
However, churches should not overlook the youth simply because they make up a small percentage of the congregation, nor should it give up on them due to the challenges involved. Instead, it must make a concerted effort to reach them deeply and retain them within the church.
To start, churches should really focus on reaching out to young people. Establishing a welcome team for all church activities is essential. This team should include attentive congregants who can keep an eye out for young visitors. For instance, at a church I visited recently, their newcomer retention strategy really stood out. Within just 15 minutes of my arrival, someone approached me to ask about my faith and church involvement.
Next, it is crucial to follow up with newcomers in a timely manner. Churches should assess whether these individuals have attended services recently, if they are interested in serving, and what challenges they might be facing. However, it is important to approach this follow-up with sensitivity, avoiding coming on too strong or making them feel pressured. A relaxed conversation over snacks after the service can be a great way to chat about their recent experiences and spiritual lives in a comfortable setting. Additionally, the church could create a comprehensive newcomers' record to keep track of basic information and insights gathered from each interaction. This way, church leaders can better understand the newcomers' needs and make them feel truly valued.
Moreover, pairing newcomers with experienced church members who can guide them along their journey. These mentors can be friends who answer questions about faith and offer support during tough times in life. This ongoing, gentle follow-up can foster a sense of belonging and encourage newcomers to gradually integrate into church life.
Thirdly, it is imperative to prioritize the pastoral care of young people. The church should teach young people with the truth of God's Word. One effective approach is to organize Bible study groups specifically for them, selecting topics that relate closely to their lives and struggles, and explaining biblical truths in ways they can easily understand. Additionally, establishing regular sharing sessions among young people can provide a valuable platform for discussing their faith journeys and personal experiences. These gatherings not only encourage mutual support but also promote spiritual growth as participants inspire one another to grow together. It is also important to motivate young people to get involved in various church activities and ministries. This not only sparks their enthusiasm but also offers them practical opportunities for learning and personal development.
Fourthly, the church should create more opportunities and platforms for young people to serve. Sometimes, older church members may perceive young people as immature, even when they reach their 30s, 40s, or beyond. It is time to shift this mindset and give young people the space they need to practice and grow. The church can establish different service roles and assign tasks based on their interests, gifts, and abilities. This way, they can discover their unique contributions through active participation. Moreover, it is crucial for senior church members to adopt a supportive and encouraging attitude toward the younger generation. Allowing them to make mistakes and being understanding rather than critical will help them build confidence and a sense of responsibility. This approach not only helps young people gain experience but also builds their confidence and sense of responsibility, laying a strong foundation for the future of our church.
The church should develop a long-term plan that prioritizes the growth of young people as a key objective. It is essential to organize regular training sessions, seminars, and exchange programs to help them foster a deeper understanding of the core values of faith and encourage their integration into daily life. By genuinely addressing the needs of young people, the church can inspire them and help them find a sense of belonging and purpose within church community.
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited by Katherine Guo and translated by Joyce Leung
