was expected that these young people would develop a mature, fully-formed faith by their early teenage years.5 Churches continued this model of Faith Formation as Baby Boomers became parents. These adults may not have grown much in their faith after Confirmation and Luther League, but they knew that taking their children to church was the right / moral / good thing to do. Classrooms continued to be full, but church leaders noticed a disturbing pattern. Parents weren’t coming inside the church building for worship, education, or fellowship. Instead, they were dropping off their child to receive Christian instruction. Savvy pastors countered by requiring students to attend worship as part of Confirmation, realizing that if young teens had to be in worship, their parents would be there as well. This sense of duty helped churches hold onto young families well into the 1990s. However, this numerical success only lasted until the young person put on their white robe and recited their favorite Bible verse on Confirmation Sunday. It was common for congregations to bid farewell to half of these households once the requirements were met and the young person became an adult member of the church. From there, it was up to the charismatic youth minister to reel them back to church with game-oriented, super“fellowshipy”, attraction-based programs. Often, these programs were less concerned with discipleship formation and more focused on making church a cool place to hang out. Recently, churches are losing these young families before their kids are even old enough for Confirmation. Gen-X and old Millennial parents tend to not feel the same obligation to be at church as their parents and grandparents. Classrooms aren’t as full as they once were. Older members of the congregation wonder where all of the young people went. -------------------------------------------------------The report and recommendations generated by the LIFT Task Force was more than seventy pages long. In case this report doesn’t make it onto your leisure reading list, here are a few key takeaways.
6
CONGREGATIONS = CENTERS OF MISSION The congregations of the ELCA are places where mission is done most effectively. They have the ability to inspire and mobilize people to live out their faith by serving others.
SUPPORTING CONGREGATIONS IS A HIGH PRIORITY Other expressions of our church eco-system should work to build up healthy congregations by listening, teaching, and sharing resources.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT Identifying and training faithful leaders is crucial to the future of our church. As Ozan Sevimli told the task force, “No brilliant idea, no brilliant plan, no brilliant strategy will be effective without strong leadership.” 6
RELATIONSHIPS WITH GLOBAL COMPANIONS AND ECUMENICAL PARTNERS We learned a lot about the model of accompaniment—walking together in solidarity that practices interdependence and mutuality. By pursuing relationships in this way, we acknowledge that we have something to offer and something to gain.
USE NETWORKS TO STRENGTHEN EXISTING CONNECTIONS. The growth of digital media has made it easier to cultivate networks throughout the country. All expressions of the church should explore ways to be connected through networks.
CULTURE OF DISCERNMENT When we make decisions, we attempt to discern God’s will. This is done with a spirit of openness to different ways of being God’s people in the world. If our denomination is to move boldly into the future, it’s clear that relationships, networks, and congregations will be the vehicles that take us there. The same is true for our approach to Faith Formation. In the way that congregations are centers for mission, homes are centers for faith formation. Ministry in the home is supported by the ministry in the congregation.
“Quo vadis ELCA” – Ozan Sevimli
8
Church staff and programs exist to support people in vocational life. A relationship of accompaniment between children, parents, peers and multiple generations is key to helping young people grow in faith. Cultivating connections with home life and church life are essential for people to learn the language of faith. Establishing networks within the congregation and in the community ensure that disciples feel supported and nurtured when doubts arise. -------------------------------------------------------Based on my experience in the LIFT process, coupled with twelve years as a youth and family minister, I believe that the best way for youth leaders to “live into the future together” is to simply be who we are—the ELCA Youth Ministry Network (The Network). It’s imperative that we support one another in the daunting, terrifying, essential work of renewal, both in our congregations and in our approach to faith formation. Through honest self-assessment and communal discernment, we can all discover ways that God is calling us to do something new. There is freedom in admitting something isn’t working. It is in that moment of discernment that the Spirit enters in and guides us into new discoveries. Take joy in the process of renewing your approach to ministry. When innovation is met with resistance, lean on your colleagues in the The Network to walk with you. Celebrate successes and failures equally, trusting that God continues to be among you as you navigate unchartered territory. Morgan Freeman’s character from The Shawshank Redemption said, “Get busy living or get busy dying.” It has been a rough couple of decades for our denomination. I think it’s time that we as a church get busy living…into the future, together. May God give us faith and courage as we support each other in the work of renewing our church.
Erik Ullestad serves as the Family Life & Youth Director at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church in Des Moines, IA. His family includes wife Allison and their three children. Erik is also half of ElbowCo, a ministry resource and consulting team. He likes to watch basketball, listen to folk music,