Where is young adult ministry?Dear editor, I recently read through the General Synod's publication outlining the framework for strengthening the church and serving God's world. While I am satisfied with the document itself I am concerned with one aspect for the churches plans. In particular, I cite the Anglican An·gli·can adj. 1. Of or characteristic of the Church of England or any of the churches related to it in origin and communion, such as the Protestant Episcopal Church. 2. Of or relating to England or the English. n. church's Church’s is an English footwear manufacturer founded in 1873 by three brothers. Over time, the little family business grew into a corporation currently employing nearly 700 people. lack of focus concerning ministry to young adults. Although young adult ministry is listed among the areas to address, I fear it is simply viewed as ah extension of "youth ministry" in the eyes, of the national church. As a young adult in ordained or·dain tr.v. or·dained, or·dain·ing, or·dains 1. a. To invest with ministerial or priestly authority; confer holy orders on. b. To authorize as a rabbi. 2. ministry, I see this as a fatal mistake made by the church both nationally and locally. The Anglican church as a whole must recognize that young adult ministry does not exist in most of our churches, nor is it spoken about with any great enthusiasm except as an extension of existing youth ministry. It cannot be questioned that there is a serious lack of people aged 18-35 in our church, even more so than children and youth. Young adult ministry needs a greater emphasis both on the national and local levels. As a start, for Anglican churches in major centres, General Synod The General Synod is the title of the governing body of some church organizations. Church of England In the Church of England, General Synod was instituted in 1970 and is the culmination of a process of rediscovering self-government for the Church of England that had could look at developing strategies and programs to reach out to university and college campuses. In smaller communities, creative programs around employment, young family support and education, and single-parent ministry could be a focus. Young adult ministry needs a particular focus beyond a simple extension of youth and children's ministries. It is a complicated and important ministry that needs to be enthusiastically developed if we are to reach out to a demographic See demographics. that we have failed in the past. I certainly hope that this is taken into consideration as our local dioceses review the framework over the coming months. Shaun T. Turner Turner can refer to:
Emsdale, Ont. |
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