ENGAGING THE WHOLE FAITH COMMUNITY IN GROWING FAITHFUL TEENS INTO YOUNG ADULTS Terri Martinson Elton Luther Seminary terrielton.com/presentations PART 1

…the world is changing

CHRISTIANITY IS NO LONGER A MAJORITY RELIGION IN THE UNITED STATES; nor is any other religion.

Adaptive Challenges While there are many challenges faces leaders of faith formation today, four are significant and interconnected: - Increase diversity through the United States – generational identities, family structures, and ethnic make-up being key. - Rise of new digital technologies – reshaping society into a connected, network world. - Increased diversity in religious beliefs, practices and affiliation - Decline in religious transmission from generation to generation Reimagining Faith Formation for the 21 st Century – John Roberto

Of the year olds surveyed in the National Study of Youth and Religion: 8%

THE CHURCH'S CALL TO NURTURE FAITH HAS NOT CHANGED… BUT THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH IT DOES SO HAS CHANGED.

Religious Socialization “The form, content, and intensity of religious socialization are … crucial in shaping the … religious outcomes of those being socialized. And since most of the broader American society is not in the business of direct religious socialization, this task inevitably falls almost entirely to two main social entities….

…First are individuals family households, where parents predictably do the primary socializing. Second are individual religious congregations, where other adults can exert socializing influences on youth… If formation does not happen there, it will – with rare exception – not happen anywhere.” Souls in Transition, 286

Sunday School ELCA congregations have seen a 60 percent drop in Sunday school between 1990 and 2010 (ELCA Research and Evaluation) Some reasons: Sunday morning is no longer set aside for “church.” “The culture no longer respects Sunday mornings,” said Diane Hymans (professor of Christian Education, Trinity Seminary) Fewer children to participate. “The number of married couples with children in ELCA congregations has dropped from 43 percent in 1988 to 26 percent in In addition, child baptisms in the ELCA and predecessor congregations dropped 52 percent between 1970 and 2012 (ELCA Research and Evaluation). Changes in the family life are impacting Sunday school. “For example, children of divorced or separated parents may spend weekends with a parent who doesn’t attend church or who is a member of another congregation, Hyman said.” (“Reinventing Sunday School,” by Cindy Novak, The Lutheran, September 2014)

Confirmation The ELCA has seen a 21 percent drop in students confirmed between 2005and 2012, from 53,961 to 42,465. (ELCA Research and Evaluation) In a survey of confirmation of 5 Protestant denominations, leaders report 30 percent of young people were not known by leaders prior to confirmation. (The Confirmation Project.org, Webinar Overview, July 2015) And a significant number of church leaders are frustrated with confirmation and unsure of it’s place in faith formation today.

What does this mean? We can’t keep doing what we have been doing.

What’s the point?

Seeks Spiritual Growth : alone and with others pursues questions, guidance and commitment through conversation, study of faith, reading the bible, prayer, small groups, retreats Possesses a Vital Faith: keenly aware of God present and active in one’s own life, the lives of others, and the life of the world Practices Faith: actively practices faith in Jesus Christ privately and publicly through regular attendance at worship, participation in ministry and leadership in a congregation Makes the Christian Faith a Way of Life: recognizes God’s “call” and integrates one’s beliefs into the conversation, decisions, and actions of daily life Lives a Life of Service: involved in activities caring for others and addressing injustice and immorality Exercises Moral Responsibility: lives with integrity utilizing faith in making considered moral decisions Possesses a Positive Spirit: reflects loving and hopeful attitudes toward others and life Mature Christian Faith in Youth

Congregational Assets Youth Ministry Assets Family Assets Leadership Assets Assets Clustered into 4 spheres

Faith Maturity: God’s living presence, centrality of faith, emphasizes prayer, focus on discipleship, emphasize Scripture, and centrality of mission Congregational Qualities: supports youth ministry, demonstrates hospitality, strives for excellence, encourages thinking, creates community, encourages support groups, promotes worship, fosters ethical responsibility, promotes service, and demonstrates effective practices Youth Involvement: participate in the congregation and assume ministry leadership Congregational Assets 18

Establishes a caring environment – provides multiple nurturing relationships and activities resulting in a welcoming atmosphere Develops quality relationships – develops authentic relationships among youth and adults Focus on Jesus Christ – the mission, practices, and relationships are inspired by the life and ministry of Jesus Christ Considers life issues – values and addresses the full range of young people’s lives Uses many approaches – intentionally and creatively employs multiple activities appropriate to the ministry’s mission and context Organized well – engages participants and leaders in long range planning, implementation, evaluation and innovation in an atmosphere of high expectations Youth Ministry Assets 6

Possess Strong Parental Faith: parent(s) possess and practice a vital and informed faith Promotes Family Faith Practices: parents engage youth and family in conversations, prayer, bible reading, and service that nurture faith and life Reflects Family Harmony: expressions of respect and love create an atmosphere promoting faith Equips Parents: offers instruction and guidance that nurture parental faith and equips parents for nurturing faith at home Fosters Parent-Youth Relationships: offers parent- youth activities that strengthen parent-youth relationships Family Assets 5

Leadership of Pastor: spiritual influence, interpersonal competence, supports youth ministry, and supports leaders Leadership of Youth Minister: provides competent leadership, models faith, mentors faith life, develops teams, knows youth, and establishes effective relationships Youth and Adult Leadership: equip for peer ministry, establish adult-youth mentoring, participate in training, possess vibrant faith, and competent adult volunteers Leadership Assets 13

Exemplary Youth Ministry Study Congregational Assets Leadership Assets Age-Specific Ministry Assets Family Assets The Sweet Spot!

congregations matter