What would it look like to reimagine ministry in the spirit of Dorcas?
“In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.”
-Acts 9:36-42 (NIV)
This may be an old story, but the kind of work that Dorcas was doing in Joppa is the kind of work today’s young adults are longing for: local, meaningful, and charitable both in giving and living. She had an eye for the marginalized and her impact is so significant that when she dies, her community cannot imagine life without her. They are willing to fight death itself to keep her with them, and God hears their cry.
If you’re reading this, perhaps you’re considering what it might look like for modern congregations to work alongside younger generations to do the kind of work that Dorcas was doing. And maybe the more pressing question is this: what if your community couldn’t imagine life without your church?
We’re captivated by this idea because while young adult attendance in the church has been on a downward trajectory for some time, the pandemic and political/social challenges of the past few years likely accelerated the trend. Yet we still believe now is the perfect time to expand our missional imaginations and give young adults the chance to ideate and influence new ways of doing ministry within the local church.
Here are a few of our observations and questions we invite you to consider about doing ministry with young adults:
Pay attention to where and how young adults give financially. They are generally philanthropic and optimistic that their giving will initiate change. Many young people choose to give towards local causes as opposed to institutions, and want to be known as people who can make a difference. How might the local church offer new ministry models and experiences that highlight its members as change-makers?
Young adults want to be involved in the causes they support. They desire charitable living to match up with their charitable giving. This is a generation that will not settle for a religion that is compartmentalized to one day of the week - an integrated life is essential. Their faith will drive where and how they socialize and spend money. How might the local church partner with local organizations or community-based plan service projects that young adults can get behind?
This generation is known for their “faith bundling.” (Source linked) Rather than committing to the principles of a particular denomination or faith, young adults tend to “bundle” their faith, pulling from various sources and spaces to construct something they find meaningful. The lack of institutional loyalty (while a tad disconcerting to some), is worth paying attention to. Change can feel difficult or even scary, but how might the local church be better positioned to minister with guidance and input from young adults?
Embrace honesty, curiosity, and intellectual exploration. Young adults are eager to explore their beliefs as well as the world around them. Churches have a unique opportunity to bravely offer space for open and honest dialogue, questions, and resourcing that helps to deepen faith and broaden perspectives. And alongside spiritual growth, many young adults also demonstrate a deep interest in personal development (again, a fully integrated life is important to them). How might the local church provide creative and Christ-centered opportunities for authentic personal and spiritual growth through workshops, retreats, and small group studies?
Harness the power of social media and technology. When it comes to technology, many churches fall into two camps: 1) old fashioned and out-of-touch, or 2) overproduced and cheesy. It’s a fine line to walk, but the truth is that social media and technology are powerful tools that can bring out-of-the-box ideas to life and reach new audiences. How might the local church become a champion and standard-bearer for using technology to support meaningful connection and movement?
So, let's bravely consider what it might look like to reimagine ministry in the spirit of Dorcas. Sure, there are already Dorcas-like services offered in communities across the country, but the church has something different to offer: ministry in the name of Jesus.
If you’re eager to find fresh ways to help younger generations love God, neighbor, and self, you’re in the right place. Start by taking a look at what other congregations are doing here.