While the declining attendance of young people is a hot topic in church circles, one church in Spring, Texas, is experiencing increased attendance of young adults. Church leaders credit this to being a missional community.
Young adults from New Life CRC helped provide a wedding for one of the group members.
New Life Christian Reformed Church recently began a program called E.P.I.C.—Everyone Perfect In Christ. A group of young adults gathers for the distinct purpose of reaching unchurched young adults in the area. They meet for Bible study at least twice a month and often hang out or do service projects during the other weeks of the month.
“We went from four of us meeting for Bible study to now having anywhere from 20 to 30 young adults that attend. They don’t always come to the Bible study at the same time, but we usually have 15 or so people that come,” said Robyn Bajema, leader of the group.
A number of new Christians are becoming involved with the group. “We’ve really focused on relationship building. I think that’s what got them in the door,” reflected Bajema.
“A lot of people have a stigma of church people because they think they’re different. The big thing with missional communities is not ‘You come to us,’ but rather, ‘We’ll come to you,’” said Bajema. “People are more likely to come to your home than they are to come to your church.”
In November the group’s service project was a wedding. “We donated our time, money, everything to . . . a couple that was getting married,” said Bajema. “They didn’t have the means to get married. We basically threw their whole wedding for them.”
About the Author
Sarah Boonstra is the Banner's regional news correspondent for classes Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone.
