With the economic crisis causing layoffs and budget cuts at churches around the country, there was good news from the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in Louisville, Ky., last week. The Baptist Press reports that an estimated 8,790 messengers (delegates) attended the event — about 1,500 higher than last’s year’s annual convention in Indianapolis.
The higher number was attributed in part to a resurgence of younger pastors and families attending the meeting, and to the convention’s location near The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
The Southern Baptist Convention, following recent declines in church membership, is making more of an outreach effort to younger members. This year, for example, was the first time that a children’s camp was offered at the annual convention, a move to encourage more families to attend.
Many other churches are looking for ways to reach out to youth and young adults, including creating more exciting and effective youth meetings and events. In a series of five articles in Rejuvenate’s June issue (and on this Web site), you’ll find an analysis of how churches are changing their approach to youth, ideas for how to use music and social media at youth events, and tips for keeping teens safe. What are your thoughts on our series? Want to share what your organization is doing to reach out to youth through meetings and events? I’m all ears!
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