I live in New York City and I’m 28 years old. The people I meet at bars or at parties are artists, musicians, designers, and writers. Often, they seem to physically take a step back from me when I tell them I work at a church. Their heads tilt slightly to the side and their brows furrow in suspicion as they try to figure out if I’m suddenly going to spring some Jesus speech on them.
We want to work from the basis of our faith to articulate faith-informed positions on issues of the day. But they are looking primarily for a way into relationship with God and God’s people; to be in a community of faith that looks something like the communities that they know from the other spheres of their lives.
The messaging, targeting 18- to 34-year-olds, highlights the many opportunities for involvement within United Methodist churches – from community hunger programs to basketball leagues. Meanwhile, the denomination is engaging in dialogue within its churches about enhancing those opportunities.
The Diocese of Bethlehem is running some advertising on WNEP TV in northeastern Pennsylvania. Have a look.
Dean Ian Markham of Virginia Theological Seminary gave the initial presentation in the Diocese of Washington’s evangelism series. He spoke on the book Why Liberals Churches are Growing, which he co-edited with Martyn Percy, among other things. The video is about 50 minutes long.
The survey found only two ways most people said they were somewhat or very willing to “receive information” about Jesus: 63% would hear it in a “personal conversation with a family member,” or with a friend or neighbor from the church (56%
Episcopal parishes and a local television stations are working together to develop an advertising campaign and web-presence that highlights the churches in the station’s viewing
The bishops of the Episcopal Church spent some time last week with Bill Bishop, author of The Big Sort: Why the clustering of like-minded Americans is tearing us apart. Bishop’s thesis is summarized cogently in his sub-title. What are the implications of the Big Sort for the Episcopal Church’s efforts to reach out to new people?
The video vignettes, 30 – 60 seconds each, reflect that “big, colorful vibrant” church by focusing on the joys, gifts, and the challenges facing The Episcopal Church. As noted on the web site, “Our controversies and conversations have been public. Our governance is transparent. You are free to see our imperfections, as well as share our joy in that which unites us – our openness, honesty, and faith.”
Folks who had trouble viewing our Brian McLaren video might want to try one of the new formats now available.