The church and the young: is it time for reconciliation?

Reconcile (definition): Restore friendly relations 

If we consider the membership of an average marthoma congregation to be numbering around 200-300 families, at least 50 families will have 1-2 teenagers and/or young adults, that too on a conservative count. Based on the demographic profile of the church, at least 25% of the adults are younger than the age of 40 years. Taking all of this into consideration, one can easily estimate at least 100 young adults in each moderate to large congregation. But only a small proportion of the youngsters gather regularly for yuvajanasakhyam, and considerably fewer attendees in a worship service can be pooled under the “young” category.

It seems like there is a ‘barrier’ – between the church and the young members. It could be disputed that the above estimates are not valid for the church as a whole, but the lack of actual statistics should not deter us from discussing such anecdotal experiences. How can we bring the people in our midst that is far away from Christ back to the shadows of his cross (Ephesians 2:13)? How can we reconcile or restore the relations between the church and the young? For that, first let us understand reconciliation in light of the gospel.

What should be reconciled? The relationship that God desires – absolute love (Luke 10:27)!

What is the message of reconciliation? I am a sinner and I deserve death and eternal damnation in hell. Sin separates me from God, my creator (Romans 6:23). In order to give me life, God sent his son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sins through which, he has destroyed the barrier between God and myself (Ephesians 2:14-17). I am now reconciled to God (Romans 5:10, 2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Where does the church come in this picture? The church is the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). Only a community that loves its weakest link can successfully serve in the ministry of reconciliation and effectively deliver the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19-20).

How can we witness the message of reconciliation to our young people? Let me share a few practical thoughts for your reflection:
1. Love wholeheartedly –
When a new person comes to church, make him feel at home, introduce him with love and sincerity, show him you care, talk to him and know him like you would if he was a future Paul or Peter.
2. Serve passionately –
If this new visitor needs a ride to church, provide it. If he needs a home cooked meal, serve him one.
3. Actively witness Christ’s humility –
Would you consider giving up your seat for him? Would you mind getting him a cup of coffee?
4. Be non-judgmental –
Don’t assume things about him based on his dress or appearance.
5. Allow God’s spirit to move –
Pray for him, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom to understand his needs and spiritual maturity.
6. Innovate –
If there are more such people in the church, find what you can do to make them feel at home, so that they can worship the Lord and enjoy a relationship with Christ.
7. Equip mentors and encourage mentoring –
Connect them to mentors who try to live a Christian life, organize small groups in a non-threatening manner to allow space for mentoring, conduct seminars that can equip mentors.
8. Walk the talk –
As a church, walk the message of reconciliation. Be a community that forgives and bears each other’s burden.

When the church focuses on the weak, the lost and the poor, when it cares for those who are sidelined and standing in the fringes of the community, when it actively seeks out the non-regulars, it will be called the repairers of the breach (Isaiah 58:12). The reconciliation of the creation to God will be its overarching goal. It will be the living testimony of God’s grace in this fallen world.

Let’s reclaim our church for our young people.