I’m about to have a bishop arrive at my house to discuss how we engage with young adults 20-40 as church. I just clicked on this link as I was going through my overflowing inbox.
I am struck by the humility of everyone speaking to camera. I’m also struck by the apologetic nature of the comments. How do we as The Church ™ continue to instill an atmosphere that whether explicit or implicit makes younger people feel that they are interlopers? The image says ‘leaving’ but I suspect that ‘leaving’ is a million miles down a road not traveled.
Last night I was asked how I ended up as part of the church. As I told my story I recounted that at 18 years old I thought that I wasn’t allowed in church. People like me are not acceptable in church. We’re not good enough.
Is this the lived experience of most young people or is it the prevailing media narrative as told through film, sitcoms and newspapers?
I’d better dig out the hoover before the bishop arrives.