Now Reading
The Rebellion of 20's Ministry

The Rebellion of 20's Ministry


am i leading a rebellion?

most 20’s ministries/young adult ministries/college ministries that are launched with a separate worship service [under the blessing of their church] seem to be birthed out of rebellion. that attitude is rarely named. we prefer to cloak our attitude in birthing these communities by just explaining that younger people want a different style of teaching or music.

but let’s call it what it is. most of these ministries are created because they don’t like their church. they wished their church was different and starting a ministry that looks like the church they wished their church was is the easiest way to leave without leaving.

i lead one of these rebellious communities. i’m starting to get in touch with the rebellion that was in the water from the inception of the ministry. this is a rebellion that didn’t come from the leader who began this ministry but a rebellion that grew from a group of young people who didn’t engage with the older church leadership about how to contribute to the existing structure. instead a new structure was built under the shadow of what we called a 20’s ministry where everyone that was younger could get church the way they wanted it [a symptom of the consumer driven model maybe?]. that may be a good idea when you’re in middle school [though i’m rethinking that one too right now] but not when you’re 20.

at 20 you have to integrate.

at 20 you have to join the rest of the intergenerational world.

at 20 you have much to voice and contribute to the overall body of the Church.

though we’ve seen incredible numeric growth since we began our 20’s ministry four years ago it would be much easier to make some future shift if we hadn’t. it is a heavy thing for a leadership team to make a change to core and inherent philosophies when current philosophies seem to be working. we all know by now that numeric growth doesn’t mean that what you’re doing is right…i’m not even sure if numeric growth is even an indicator that God is being honored and glorified [but we’ll save that thought for another day].

this is what i’m thinking about these days. i’m in the process of repentance and curious where this process is going to take me and our ministry. i hope i didn’t ruin your day.

thoughts?

View Comments (0)

Leave a Reply

© 2023 RELEVANT Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Scroll To Top

You’re reading our ad-supported experience

For our premium ad-free experience, including exclusive podcasts, issues and more, subscribe to

Plans start as low as $2.50/mo