A couple of weeks ago the session of my church came to the congregation and basically said that the church is at a “crossroads,” (a good one in this case) and that the session wanted the input of the congregation in deciding which way to turn at this crossroads.  Starting this week they have begun a process of “listening” to the congregation, including taking the time last Sunday morning to meet with the youth of the church during their education hour class.  According to my sons the session members clearly got input from the youth.

This made the piece that Carol Howard Merritt posted today on Tribal Church even more significant for me.  I have to think that most of you are already regular readers of Tribal Church, but if you have not read The quick fix you need to, especially if you are concerned or interested in the direction of the church with the younger generation.  Actually, she really says nothing new but in a profound way reminds us what the Covenant Community is supposed to be about in the first place and how we build that community.

Getting back to my church, I can say that the session took the time to listen, and in doing so established a great deal of good will and relationship with the youth.  (The rest of the church is giving their input as well through the listening process.) The session has also promised to report back quickly.  But as Carol points out, what happens next will be critical to the relationship with the youth.  Based on what the session hears will the concerns the youth expressed be at least acknowledged if not acted upon?  And just as important, will there be continued efforts to listen to them and make them feel valued in the church community?

Fortunately my particular church is not in need of a quick fix.  But we must be conscious of the long-term direction of the church and what we need to do to keep the younger generation engaged.  While my congregation is active and vital today, the comments that session got from the youth indicate that we do not connect as well as we could.  That is something to consider so that we don’t find ourselves in need of the quick fix.