Church of the Nazarene - Information about Young Adults

Information about Young Adults

What Young Adults Said

For several months, Adult Ministries conducted an online survey to garner input from young adults. The survey was also distributed during the M7 Conference. While this was not a scientific survey, we gained insights into the thoughts and needs of young adults.

In response to the question, “What do you desire most from the church?” young adults rated the choices as follows:

They also wrote their thoughts.

• The key to me is the sense of community (used in 3 of the 4 above areas). As a young adult it is crucial to me to feel a sense of belonging and connection to the church body.

• real/honest is very important...people are too fake at church

• a place to go where it doesn't matter if you dress right or if you act just right but a place to go to seek and find our Savior.

• there needs to be a continuation of the nurturing of students leaving high school. so that they do not fall away. i have seen this happen way to often.

A study of young adults reveals the importance they place on relationships. This importance was reflected in the following responses.

What do you expect from relationships that help form your spiritual development?

Hear their comments about this question.

• In regards to Christ-like love, my ideal group has people at varying stages of spiritual growth and development.

• vulnerability- the reciprocal relationship

• Accountability and Christ-like love are the most important. I do not need another fellowship time--need more meat!

• Sense of knowing that the people can be trusted.

Their need for authenticity is reinforced by their response to this question.

How important are the following characteristics in identifying a person as authentic?

General Superintendents

Here are some of their comments

• able to defend the faith

• Don't tell me that God loves me, I want to experience God's love

• the best is loving others and putting them before yourself

• ALL these things are important and things I am looking for. That doesn't mean that it defines authentic. "Real" is not an effective description word, although it gets used frequently.

Have you wondered about young adults and their faith? Consider these responses.

I read the Bible
    36%    Every day
    39%    2-3 times a week
    12%    Once a week
    10%    3-4 times a month
   3%     Never

I read the Bible by
    0%    Listening to the Bible on CDs
    6%    Reading online
    1%    Using an M3 Player
    0%    Reading it on my PDA
    92%    Reading a printed copy of the Bible

	Every day	2-3 times a week	Once a week	3-4 times a month	Never

I pray	80%	15%	2%	2%	1%
I meet with other Christians for worship	4%	66%	21%	6%	3%

I Attend Church	more	the same	less	doesn't apply
Than I did when I was in high school	44%	17%	29%	10%
Than I did when I was in college	36%	12%	10%	42%
Than I did before I got married	25%	6%	8%	62%

Church involvement:

6%    Little involvement - attend church less than 2 times a month

10%    Somewhat involved - attend church 2 or 3 times a month

30%    Regularly involved - attend church weekly and involved in a ministry or small group

54%    Very involved - attend church weekly, involved in a ministry or small group, and regularly contribute financially

I attend a Church of the Nazarene

82% Yes

18% No

Years attending a Church of the Nazarene

22%    Five years of less

14%    6-10 years

9%    11-10 years

18%    16-10 years

38%    More than 20 years

I am a member of the Church of the Nazarene

74% Yes

26% No

Based on this survey, the Church of the Nazarene has young adults in our congregations. Our challenge is to involve them in ministry, allow their questions and doubts, encourage them as they live the Christian lifestyle, and listen to them.