Young Adults and College Age Students Ministry in the Church of God
Most churches struggle to know how to effectively reach out to and serve young adults. This group, generally between the ages of 18-30, is a paradox to most church ministry plans and needs our attention and support. Church of God Youth and Discipleship is engaging this valuable segment of the church through both the SYNC Young Adult Retreat and Alpha Omega Campus Ministry.
By B. Randall Parris
The statistics and concerns about young adults in the church are alarming. In his book, “You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church . . . and Rethinking Faith,” David Kinnaman writes, “Overall, there is a 43 percent drop-off between the teen and early adult years in terms of church engagement.” However, many dropouts still believe the tenets of Christianity. What they need from the Church is a renewed effort at disciple-making, an effort that meets them where they are; lets them express their questions, ideas, and doubts; and encourages them to grow in Christ.
“The SYNC Young Adult Retreat was held this past weekend and proved to be an empowering and catalyzing experience that is truly changing lives for the glory of God,” says Scott Smith, one of the movement’s team leaders. SYNC continues to minister to, bless, and nurture the upcoming leaders of the Church. This year’s SYNC Retreat included amazing worship experiences, inspirational speakers like Kevin McGlamery and Rob Bailey, and the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. SYNC Retreat provided opportunities for college age students to connect with other young adults from across the country!
Every year over 14 million young people enroll in a college or university across America. They represent the brightest of all generations and have the greatest potential to impact their world. Their future is bright, but they are in desperate need of direction and support. There is a need for local pastors and churches to rise up and accept the call to minister in unique ways to students in need of fellowship and connection. Alpha Omega Campus Ministry is an outreach of Youth and Discipleship that provides resources to churches and individuals who desire to minister on college campuses.
To learn more about these viable ministries, visit www.cogyouth.org or for more information, please contact Randall Parris at [email protected] or 423-478-7883.
Randall Parris serves as the Discipleship and Leadership Development Coordinator of Church of God International Youth and Discipleship.
