Growing Young.

At the August Kirk Session it was agreed that we would participate in the ‘Growing Young’ project being organized by Rev Graham Duffin. Twenty-two congregations have agreed to take part in the project which starts in September and lasts for one year. Of course, each congregation is expected to continue building on learning and experience gained. 

The project has come from research by Fuller Youth Institute. They studied congregations which seemed to ‘bucking the trend’ and the average age of attenders was coming down. Six common areas were identified and it is these that we will focus on during the year. One outcome of the process has been that the whole congregation benefits and growth happens across the age spectrum, not simply with young people. This is NOT a youth programme. It is a project which means we move the balance of decision making and responsibility from the older age groups to the younger ones. It’s not an all or nothing thing, simply a movement in the bias toward a particular group. By doing that we believe that the whole congregation will benefit and grow.

We need a Growing Young team and this is one of the most important decisions to make in our Growing Young journey. It is essential to have the right people in the room if we want to shift toward a growing young culture. While only four people will be able to attend the in person summit in 2021 (presuming it is possible to meet in that way) up to 8 members can attend the virtual summits in 2020 and the webinars. As the cohort progresses, we might find it helpful to invite additional people who can contribute to the team in previously unseen ways. This is from the Growing Young team:

Who should you include on the team?

• Point Leader:
  This participant will help the team maintain disciplined attention on the Growing Young process by convening meetings, holding team members accountable, following up on action items. The point leader will also be the primary communicator between GY Scotland and your church’s GYC team.  This may be the minister but need not be so.

• Minister:
  Given the key part that senior leaders play in the culture of the overall church, Fuller have especially designed this research and the resulting resources to speak to their needs and interests. So if the minister is not the Point Leader they should still be part of the team.

• Young adults (especially those in the 16-29 year-old range):
  Much of the discussion during the summits will focus on ministry to teenagers and emerging adults. You’ll position your team to receive immediate and relevant feedback regarding potential opportunities and challenges by involving a young adult in the discussion right off the bat.

• Parents: 
  Research continues to reveal that one of the greatest influences on the faith of a teenager is the teenager’s parent(s). Including one or more parents on your Growing Young team can be invaluable in your church’s efforts to grow young.

• Other Voices:
  Consider the following questions to help you fill out the remainder of your team: 

• What voices are not represented on our team that might provide valuable input?

• Who can help you make our Growing Young vision a reality?

• Who might have a significant stake in the outcome of our Growing Young journey?

• Who might face the most loss due to changes brought about by our Growing Young journey?

We are looking for 5 volunteers (or suggestions who we might ask) to be part of the team. For more info contact David minister@barclayviewforth.org.uk