Tuesday, January 16, 2007

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?

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