Churches Called to Embrace Young Adults Beyond Graduation

Faith Facts

• Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 12 that the church is one body where every member is needed and none should be left behind.
• Galatians 6:2 commands believers to bear one another’s burdens as a fulfillment of the law of Christ.
• Young adults represent future business owners, leaders, and world-changers who need support from the body of Christ.

When young adults step out of college and into the unfamiliar territory of adulthood, four questions seem to follow us everywhere: Have you found a job? Are you dating anyone? Are you still involved in church? What are your plans for the future?

As one of those young adults, I can usually offer a quick, acceptable answer. But an honest answer, the kind that reveals my uncertainty, hopes, fears and changing sense of purpose, is far more complicated.

I long for questions that reach beyond my relationship status, employment, church attendance or five-year plan. I want to be asked who I am becoming, where I am struggling and how I see God working through the uncertainty.

These familiar questions are not intended as daggers, but they rarely feel like flowers. They land somewhere in between, carrying expectations that may weigh more heavily than the person asking realizes.

After all, others are not the only ones asking these questions. We already carry them within ourselves.

How can young graduates, still finding our footing beyond college, be expected to know exactly where we belong, what comes next and who God is calling us to become, especially when many congregations struggle to involve young adults?

A gap has formed between being a student and becoming a professional, and it can be seen clearly within the church. We see it in the disconnect between churches and single adults, between established small-group leaders and the lone 25-year-old, and in the young Christian moving from church to church without ever putting down roots.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, Paul describes the church as one body made up of many parts. Every member is necessary, and no part should be left behind.

Yet too many young adults feel caught between familiar college life and a future that has suddenly become reality: careers, networking, new routines, marriage and children. When did graduating from college begin to mean someone was a fully formed adult who should be left to their own devices?

Congregations can better reach young adults — the future business owners, leaders and world-changers — by involving us now. We should not wait until we marry or have children, especially after we have already accepted a place teetering on the edge of the church community.

Connecting the body of Christ with our lives outside the church building is a beautiful solution. Young professional classes and opportunities for single adults to interact could be a positive beginning. These spaces could also build relationships between young adults and older Christians with wisdom and experience to share.

These steps would not benefit only young adults. They could also help single parents, tired mothers and fathers, newcomers and professionals looking for their next step. Churches can draw upon the Christian community — from church to church, quilting group to book club, hospital to Christian university — to offer Christ-centered support, opportunities and encouragement.

“I challenge you to speak with a young adult in your congregation. Ask about their challenges, their gifts for leadership and where they are in their faith. Most importantly, ask how the church can support them.”

This week, I challenge you to speak with a young adult in your congregation. Ask about their challenges, their gifts for leadership and where they are in their faith. Most importantly, ask how the church can support them.

Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Let us help each other navigate this world by offering love, support and hope. Let us love sacrificially and fully, just as Christ loves us.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.