Over the past two weeks, we’ve explored four of the six core strategies from Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church that will help us reflect, transform, and grow younger as we celebrate 185 years as a church. We’ve looked at the importance of prioritizing young people, practicing empathy, fostering a warm community, and taking Jesus’ message seriously. Today, we’re diving into the final two strategies: engaging with families and empowering leaders of all generations.
These last two strategies are deeply connected to the vibrancy and vitality of our church as we look forward to our next 185 years. By embracing these principles, I think we can become a more intergenerational and thriving community where people of all ages feel valued, equipped, and ready to serve.
Engaging with Families
A key finding in Growing Young is the importance of engaging with families—not just as individuals, but as a whole. Churches that grow young realize that if they want to reach young people, they must also reach their families. “Family-based ministry” isn’t a new idea, but it’s a critical one for churches seeking to grow younger and more vibrant.
The authors of Growing Young discovered that churches that prioritize engaging with families see their entire community thrive. This doesn’t mean just offering a family-friendly program here or there or putting a play table in the corner or even having a good Sunday School or big ASP group; it means creating an environment where families—no matter their size, shape, or circumstance—feel fully supported and valued. It means recognizing that faith is something that is shaped not just in church but at home.
The research shows that one of the antidotes to disengagement is a church’s ability to partner with families and equip parents and guardians to disciple their children. The authors write, “When churches grow young, they partner with families in such a way that faith becomes an integral part of life at home, not just something reserved for Sundays.”
This strategy invites us to reflect on how well we’re engaging families here at UMCG. Are we creating opportunities for families to connect with one another, both inside and outside the church? Are we equipping parents and grandparents to nurture the faith of their children and grandchildren? And are we creating an environment where families of all types feel welcomed and supported?
To grow younger, we must deepen our connection with families and make sure they know they are the central part of our church community.
Empowering Leaders Across Generations
The final strategy in Growing Young is empowering leaders of all generations. This means moving beyond the mindset that leadership belongs only to those with seniority or experience.
Churches that grow young are intentional about developing leaders at every age and stage of life. They recognize that young people are not just the future—they are the present.
The authors found that churches that grow young don’t just ask young people to show up; they give them meaningful roles in leadership. But this empowerment doesn’t stop with young people—it extends across generations. These churches are committed to raising up leaders of all ages, equipping them to lead, serve, and contribute to the church’s mission.
One quote from the book stands out: “When we empower young leaders, we’re not just filling roles; we’re shaping the future of the church.” That’s a powerful reminder that the future of UMCG is not just in the hands of a few—it’s in the hands of every generation. To grow younger, we need to create a culture of shared leadership, where everyone is encouraged and equipped to lead in ways that reflect their unique gifts and passions.
This strategy calls us to ask: How are we empowering leaders of all generations here at UMCG? Are we providing opportunities for people of all ages to step into leadership roles? Are we open to — and how are we — mentoring and equipping the next generation of leaders to continue the mission of making disciples of Jesus?
As I conclude this series, I want to invite you to reflect on the six strategies we’ve explored together. Growing young is not just a program or a temporary initiative—it’s a way of living out our faith and mission in a way that honors both our past and our future. It is a way of being, or the culture, of a church.
So, here’s my invitation to you: Would you be willing to work with me in a small group or cohort to help ensure that our next 185 years are filled with vibrancy and vitality? Together, we can engage with these six strategies and discern how God is calling us to grow younger, more vital, and more faithful to Jesus’ mission. Whether you feel called to lead, serve, or simply share your ideas, I’d love to talk with you. You can reach out to me in person or email me at rob@genevaumc.org. Let’s continue this conversation and shift together.
Thank you for being part of this church family and for your commitment to reflection and transformation as we celebrate 185 years of God’s faithfulness. See you this weekend!