ctrl.alt.del is a new resource written by a group of baptists (including myself) who make up the BUGB's younger leader's forum. This is a thinktank of leaders in their 20s who input into the baptist union. Download ctrl_alt_del_co_press_copy.pdf
The resource comes in two parts - one part is encouraging churches to engage and support young adults (those in their 20s) and the other part is written for young adults designed to help them think about issues of faith, church and involvement. It's taken us a long time to get it here, but it's now available for £6. It's not yet on BU website, but if you ring the publications department on 01235 517743, you should be able to order a copy.
This is the introduction to the church side:
When faced with the question of ‘where are all the young adults?’, it can be quite difficult
to know where to begin. This resource is not intended to provide text book answers or be the fi nal word; rather, we hope it will generate a conversation and present an opportunity for our churches to listen and think through how they can engage with young adults already in the church, those who may have left the church and those who have never had contact with the church. As you read the sections and hear the stories and ideas, our intention is not to overwhelm you with a list of things you should or could be doing. This resource tackles a whole
range of questions and issues facing young adults and our purpose is to enable you to
develop creative and local responses that are appropriate to your context. The resource is divided into two main sections. The first section under the heading ‘Questioning
Spirituality’, discusses how young adults construct and practise their spiritual life within
church life; in other words, what does it mean to follow Christ? The second section, which
we have titled ‘Lost in Transitions’ identifies that the life of a young adult is one which is
challenged with an overwhelming number of transitions and choices, often in a short space
of time – university, employment, moving out of home, relationships and getting married,
starting a family, debt, etc – and asks what as churches are we doing, or can we do, to
support and help young adults through these times.
It was great to learn about this, I've not yet had a chance to read the document in full but helping churches to connect with young adults is a key issue and we need all the help we can get. Thanks for all the work you've put into this.
Neil
Posted by: Neil Brighton | March 22, 2007 at 05:11 PM