Young and Younger
A couple of weeks ago, Ed looked around our staff and said “We are old!” The average age of the people in the room was about 35 I would guess. He and Lisa had just returned from a trip to Hillsong London. He told us that he didn’t see anyone over 27 on the stage, as volunteers, in guest services, the parkers and the attenders.
We have always believed that our church reflects who we put on stage. Now, it is time to face the cold hard fact that we need younger people all over our campus. That is the goal of our different ministry teams for 2009 – find high school, college or young married couples who are sharp, friendly and cool to engage our visitors. What happens to guys and girls like me who are 52? Are we retired and put out to pasture? It depends. If you have an old spirit, you will be retired. Many of us choose to stay young in spirit so that we can continue to reach out to this generation. We can lead by example, encourage, train and teach our young employees and volunteers to take this church to the next level.
This past weekend, we had the youngest stage ever (except for me - I spoke). Their enthusiasm and energy swept through the audience. I had to sit down to speak because I was tired from just watching them. Keep it young!
Have a great 2009! I'm late for my Botox appointment!
Just get smoother tatoos...
Isn't funny how we used to think guys our age were old....
Posted by: Royal Farris | January 08, 2009 at 04:41 PM
Glad you're bloggin now man! Hope all is well with you guys down in TX!
Posted by: DC Curry | January 09, 2009 at 02:16 PM
Dan Reiland just spoke about this in a recent e-mailing...I tried to find it on the web to post the link (e-mail me if you want the whole thing)...
1)Stop Protecting:
If you are in a church that has no young leadership to tap into, get out and talk to some young people. Ask questions. Seek their thoughts about a young and relevant church. It could be the best cup of coffee you've had in a long time. Don't be afraid to take a risk on new things. Your risk is much greater if you don't. It's alright to make mistakes, its not alright to remain the same.
2)Hire Young Staff
3)Sunday Morning with a young feel
The big issues are clear. First, choose your music wisely. If you are in your forties or fifties and you know the tunes and words to everything played on Sunday morning you are in trouble. And if you are in your forties or fifties and you don't think the music is too loud, it's not loud enough! OK, this last one is a little tongue in check, but if you are still reading I suspect you are at least open to what I'm saying and are smiling with me. Bottom line, try new stuff!
4)Children's Ministry!
5) Invest in the next generation
Posted by: Jesse | January 09, 2009 at 03:12 PM