My home is over Jordan: Fulfilling covenant with mainline young adults
by Allen, Peter W., D.Min., HARTFORD SEMINARY, 2010, 154 pages; 3451274

Abstract:

If the members of the Monroe Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, are to fulfill our covenantal promises to those in all stages of life, we must take seriously the spiritual needs and gifts of our young adults. Though more often physically absent than present, our post-high school eighteen to twenty-nine year-olds are beloved members of our congregation. How might we maintain and even strengthen our ties with them, encourage them to continue their spiritual journeys in an active way, and call them to fulfill their covenant with Christ and with us, their home church? Research and our church's experience show that many in this stage of life eschew traditional theological language, formal doctrine, and regular Sunday morning worship. However, this paper will reveal that many young adults yearn for stronger connections with God and with others who value the spiritual dimension of existence. This project emerged from the experience of an upper middle-class, suburban, mainline United Church of Christ congregation in southern Connecticut. Through in-person and online spiritual reflection, worship, and service, we were able to engage half of our congregation's young adult members and friends in a variety of spiritual practices. Participating young adults and other interested members of the congregation found the process enriching and satisfying, but important questions remain for us and for the wider mainline church: Can home congregations consistently provide meaningful religious experiences and nurture for their young adults, even if those in this highly transitional stage of life are physically absent much of the time and may not formally identify as Christians? In an era when eventual return to church is no longer a matter of course, might stronger ties to their home congregations encourage young adults eventually to choose a new spiritual home?

 
AdviserDavid Roozen
SchoolHARTFORD SEMINARY
SourceDAI/A 72-06, p. , May 2011
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsReligion; Spirituality
Publication Number3451274
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