| Young Adult Ministry |
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The young adult years from eighteen to thirty-five are critical years in the formation of religious identity and commitment. Possibly more than at any other time in the lifespan, young adults seek experiences of spiritual vision and commitment. That was certainly true in my own life as I moved from fundamentalism towards liberal religion. There is a myth that Unitarian Universalism is a faith that mostly appeals to people in mid and later life. There is a lethargy in congregations when it comes to putting resources into young adult ministry. We need a change in vision and a change in will to challenge a congregational culture that ignores young adults.We need that change of vision to be motivated not from a desire to grow but from a recognition that young adults need our faith! The lives of young adult UU’s have been enriched by their relationships with congregations, with each other, with service projects, and with our international partnerships. If we can offer enriching experiences of worship, service, and learning that touch the lives of young adults, Unitarian Universalism will flourish because of the gratitude and commitment of those whose lives have been changed. There have been advances in programming for and networking among young adults in the UUA during the Sinkford administration. The successes we have had demonstrate that dedicated resources from the UUA can make a difference in how young adults feel connected and involved. The Church of the Younger Fellowship has been a successful young-adult-led outreach from the CLF towards UU young adults who are not congregationally involved. We have seen some growth in our campus ministries, but the growth has not been consolidated into steadily successful long term programs. The current administration is moving the staff for young adult ministries into the Lifespan Faith Development staff group, arguing that it is appropriate to bring young adults back into our understanding of what “lifespan” truly means. So the time is ripe for a new vision. We not only need new vision when it comes to staffing priorities... we need a new vision on how to use the best and highest technologies we can find to invite young adults into deeper relationship with each other, with our congregations, and with the UUA. Young adults can lead the UUA in this area. We have been on the wrong side of the digital divide for too long, and we need help from our young adult leaders in this regard. This is a justice issue, not just an administrative issue. I am committed to leading a consultation process as an early priority of my administration to discern the next steps in our young adult programs. We have a meaningful model in the recent process we have been through around ministry to and with youth. We need similar leadership from the next UUA President to turn our young adult ministries around. The outcome cannot be predetermined, it will grow out of the quality of our engagement and commitment, and it will be a high priority for me. |
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