Much as I understand and agree with the comment that, "Churches die old and grow young," I am concerned that we don't lose sight of the fact that there is much wisdom and great potential benefits in looking towards the older generations.
It is good to attract younger people and as a member of a church where the age profile has dropped from sixty something to high thirties I would be hypocritical to say that we don't want to bring in younger people. BUT (it's always there), we need to realise that we need to ensure that the 'young' don't push out the older existing members and that in seeking to attract younger people that we don't compromise in our beliefs and standards either. Not only that, but we need to actively seek out groups which we might not otherwise think about, for instance:
Gender Specific Groups. I struggle with the fact that we bend over backwards to attract women, especially mums, and put on many groups for them in many different formats. I know of a church which has six different women's groups and yet fails to have any specific men's groups. Now, if this was the other way round people would be muttering about sexism, wouldn't they? So what are we doing about this: Here, putting my money where my mouth is, we're looking at a couple of men specific groups to add to the Mums and Toddlers (and encourage more mums and others to come to the FE Communion).
Working Class - I am amazed that when 'working class' people join us the first thing that seems to happen is that they appear to become 'middle class' Not only that but I have been in churches where they appear to actively seek anyone but working class people. Real church for real people (perhaps this is 'authentic' church) with no pretentious posing and no hype - just forgiven people living in the reality!
Age Specific Groups - Yep, the 'wrinklies' Just as commerce has realised the value of the silver pound, so too should the church (but in a spiritual sense). many in the church seem to think that once people go they have nothing to give, but boy are they wrong! The problem is that many see the old as a curse because they are intransigent (ever worked with teenagers?), they are moody (ever worked with teenagers?) and they know it all (ever worked with teenagers?). Wrinkly church is great because it influences the middle-aged church, the young church, the teen church and the children's church too! Mainly because they are themselves grandparents and parents and having been won for Christ can be the source of extremely effective evangelism in the family setting. Turn the hearts of the children (Malachi 4) is great and true but it works in both directions (and for those who are concerned with money, there is the higher level of disposable cash with older folk - bet that gets some interested!!!).
But the reality is the the Church and forgiveness are there for everyone and we need to live within this reality so don't ignore the wrinklies because you want kids, they'll come to faith, grow up and leave home when the older folk will still be there - look at all the ages and sow seeds at the young leave for university or work and the old as they provide a bedrock of experience and stability (generally).
We need an 'all-age' Church with an 'all-nations' congregation who have an across the board earning profile (we also need our long-term sick and unemployed/unemployable too!). Don't focus so closely in that you lose sight of what you're looking at! Don't see the salvation of your fellowship in just one people group (nationality, income or age) after all, Jesus doesn't!
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