Business or Spiritual Leader.

Christianity is not new to tensions. But in the ever changing media-frenzied world what is the role of that pastor? Is he a CEO, where deadlines and projects reign supreme, or is he the least of all men, a servant, a pastor and shepherd? Within the CEO model lays the pursuit of excellence and organization. But, in the spiritual leadership model lies the more metaphysical aspects of Christianity. In this the pastor is Spiritual Leader and a large part of his job is to set an example. Is one side better than the other? Honestly I'm not sure. The CEO model is more inline with society, it looks for growth and outcomes. But, if a church is healthy, shouldn't it have outcomes? What is wrong with pursuing things that work? Nothing. The pastor as Spiritual director is a more anti-society model. It cares more about individuals and is not as focused on results. Shouldn't the church, as representative of Christ's kingdom, be different than the world's kingdom?

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?

Create a church.

Can you create a church these guys would go to?

Can you create a church they would go to together?

Are We Asking the Wrong Question?

Psychological experiments are often done with white, middle-class, college-age kids. The problem with this is that it is difficult to determine that results from such studies are applicable to all diverse populations. The same can be said about new church growth models. If you haven't noticed most Purpose Driven churches are maganged by white people. Now the emerging church is coming into it's own. I dare you to try to find an emerging church that A. has an African-American lead pastor or even B. has one African-American pastor on staff. Go aheand I'll wait. I know because I've really looked and have yet to find one.
If this is the case, this movement is in trouble. I'm apart of a new church whose goal is to reach the unchurched. We always talk about the unchurched. The question is, is this only a "white-person" question? Is there a different question we need to ask when attempting to reach 20-somethings from an African-American population who don't go to church? Is it possible to create a diverse church of 20-somethings?