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An Open Letter To My Pastor
Published: 7/11/2009 12:51:30 PM

An Open Letter To My Pastor

Dear Pastor,

I know you love Jesus and that you love the church. Thanks for being my pastor. After our recent discussion about the state of young adults in our congregation, you asked me to compile some thoughts. In particular I believe you were looking for some suggestions as to how we could engage my generation (young adults) in our congregation. Here are some thoughts:

Listen Simply by asking me to do this assignment, you have shown an ability to listen to young adults. I appreciate that. I think we're used to being talked to instead of listened to. Often we hear from church people that our generation is lazy, disrespectful, and materialistic. While there may be some truth to these adjectives, they can probably be applied to other generations too.

Listening indicates a level of trust and respect. This is vital to building a relationship with any young adult. Also, listening produces understanding. You discover the nuances of our generational culture (why our age group voted in large numbers for Obama, why we like Facebook, how we can multi-task like crazy). Listening goes a long way. So take us out for lunch or coffee, and we'll be there (especially if you pay).

Let us be the church NOW. We aren't the future of the church. We are the church now. This goes for all young people. While we will mature with time, we are active members of the body at any age. Every person in leadership in our congregation (elders, council, ministry leaders, etc.) is a baby boomer or older. A congregation will look like its leadership. Therefore Sunday morning worship looks like baby boomers . . . and older.

We often feel excluded and ignored. The congregation wants to see “more young people,” but we are denied opportunities to participate in leading and planning. Therefore we feel no ownership. Find a few young adults who are around, and put us in a position of leadership - maybe something small to start. And by the way, we don't mind “old people.” In fact, we value quality multi-generational relationships. So mentor us. Soon we could raise up a 23 year-old-elder, or a 28 year-old-council member.

Preach well. OK, pastor. I have never fallen asleep during your sermon. In fact, I think you preach clearly and faithfully. That sermon you did in Lent with the railroad spikes and hammer was really powerful. I just want to encourage you to continue to preach and to preach well.

We Lutherans actually believe the Word of God does something. God's Word is not age-biased. It's good for all. In particular, young adults want to hear the Word of God made relevant to life, stated in real and honest ways. We want Law/Gospel preaching and teaching that is not cliché (“We are all sinners, but Jesus died for us.”). Speak to sins we're dealing with (sexual temptations, finding a spouse, beginning a career, loneliness . . .). And then give us the Gospel, full force. Preach as if young adults are in the pews, and they just might show up.

Pastor, I appreciate your work. Young adults are too old to be in youth group, but are treated like they are too young to do much of anything else. We feel there is no place for us in the church. But I think your leadership will create a great atmosphere for young adults in our congregation. Along with other lay people who have a heart for young adults, we will engage a generation that is often missing from the church. Thanks for you pastoral care and concern.

Peace,