Relevant... To Who?

[GrowingPains]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Why criticize a minister who's called to reach a certain demographic? God may be trying to reach young marrieds and young adults as never before. In addition most churches have childrens ministry and most older saints have visitations... statistics show that the loneliest and most under ministered to group of people are young adults and young marrieds who are between the ages of 25 and 35. Most families that fall away fall away in this period because they are facing the stress of starting families or living on their own for the first time. Most have marital issues and questions that are rarely addressed. Most marriages have a tough time weathering this period too. I think it's wise to zero in on this demographic. I remember telling my wife... kids have Sunday School, the youth have youth group, and the elderly saints have "morning Bible Study" and since they are retired - they meet and pray at the church often. But what about us? We both work and are struggling to stay above water financially. We're trying to raise kids. We're serving the church in Sunday School, choir, outreach, and youth group. We have no time for each other. It's like we don't even know each other any more. And we don't have time to get to know each other any more. It's tough. The Pastor of a church we served recently launched a "Young Marrieds" group that met on every other Wednesday. Subjects were as varied, dealing with wrecked finances, communication, how to deal with anger, how to deal with disappointment, and how to keep romance and passion alive. It was wonderful. More churches need to focus in on college age young adults and young marrieds.

My intent wasn't to criticize anyone in particular... and it most certainly wasn't bashing someone who has a passion for young marrieds and single twenty-somethings. If that's what I conveyed, forgive.

My point is if the the church in general is marketed, geared and branded to 20-year olds, but say they are a church for everyone, that doesn't make sense. The format, style of the church should be palatable for all of them. If, however, you are just seeking to reach college students, then that would make sense.