Are Young Black Men Leaving Church?

It is possible that the African-American church is dealing with the same issues as the white church?

check out a blurb from this article by Franklyn Richardson.

"Today we have a significant number of young people who've never been to worship services, who know nothing about the values and culture of the Black church. Most church members have been put off too easily by the fact that these youths speak a whole other language we sometimes find offensive, and they wear their caps backward and their pants low.

For the sake of our communities, we can't afford to have the young Black men and women in what's known as the hip-hop generation--as well as those coming up behind them--remain estranged from the church. We must reach out, ask them how they see the world, and listen carefully. What are their ideas? How do they think we can promote Christian values among them and others who may not find the church relevant? By coming together and finding a common language, we can translate the fundamental message of the Black church so that many more of today's youths can hear it."

church for 20 somethings or diverse church?

I've read that churches today are either going the route of becoming a "Wal-mart church" where everything anyone could ever want is offered or becoming a smaller "niche" church where everything is offered for one particular type of people. Where does diversity fit into these two type of churches? The issues is that niche churches by their very nature cater to one group to the exclusion of another. In theory a "niche" church can either cater to 20-somethings or focus on diversity. Niche churches may not be able to do both well. Mega-churches have a better ability of including all, but then again church diversity may only happen if very intentional.

We are a society of comfort where we live by the "have it your way" motto. This idea permeates our churches. We love mega-churches where our every need can be met. But, we also like "niche" churches where we can feel welcome and comfortable and understood.

But, is there yet a "niche" church that has the ability to cater to the white 20 somethings and also the African-American 20-somethings? What would that look like? Can a church effectively do both at the same time? If so how?