The Workshop Will Begin in a Moment
Midsize Mania New Ideas in UU Young Adult/Campus Ministry
Introductions
This Conference Is Being Recorded
New Ideas in Unitarian Universalist Young Adult/Campus Ministry Kayla Parker, UUA s Campus Ministry Associate, kparker@uua.org Nancy Combs-Morgan, MidAmerica Coordinator for Emerging Youth and Young Adult Ministries, ncombsmorgan@uua.org
Where do we start: Trends in Young Adult Ministry Young adults in the 18-35 age range primarily selfidentify themselves as being spiritual and not religious In the last 10 years (since 9/11) young adults are seeking virtual and face to face opportunities to explore spiritual values; spiritual practices; values exploration and opportunities to demonstrate their values in action, i.e., social justice experiences. What informs our understanding of critical trends in YA ministry?
www.faithformation2020.net
Driving Forces Driving forces are the forces of change social, economic, political, technological, educational, cultural, and religious that are most likely to affect the future shape of faith formation. The trends in this study indicate a need for congregations to incorporate a greater intentionality around multigenerational programming, especially expanded offerings for young adults.
Expressive Communalism Young Adults have embedded their lives in spiritual communities in which their desire and need for both expressive/experiential activities, whether through art, music, or service-oriented activities, and for a close-knit, physical community and communion with others are met.
Creating deeper community through small groups Making a difference through service Experiencing worship reflecting their culture (visual, musical, artistic, experiential) Exploring religious tradition with depth, questioning, and applying faith to life Utilizing technology to communicate the message and to connect people Building cross-generational relationships Forming spiritual practices & disciplines
www.faithformationlearningexchange.net
UU Young Adult Ministry We are poised to respond to these trends in young adult ministry Standing on the Side of Love Our Whole Lives for Young Adults exploration of sexual health/ethics
UU Campus Ministry The Spiritual Life of College Students: A National Study of College Students Search for Meaning and Purpose Higher Education Research Institute Graduate School of Education & Information Studies University of California, Los Angeles Multi-year study beginning in 2003, surveys 112,232 entering first-year students attending 236 diverse colleges and universities in the U.S. 4 in 5 indicated having an interest in spirituality and believing in the sacredness of life AND have attended religious services in the past year
UU Campus Ministry Doubting 10% Seeking 23% Conflicted 15% Not Interested 15% Secure 42%
UU Campus Ministry Religious Preference..............Percent Roman Catholic............... 28 None....................... 17 Baptist...................... 13 Other Christian................ 11 Methodist.................... 6 Lutheran..................... 5 Presbyterian.................. 4 Church of Christ............... 3 Other Religion................. 3 Episcopalian.................. 2 Jewish....................... 2 Buddhist...................... 1 Eastern Orthodox.............. 1 Hindu...................... 1 Islamic...................... 1 United Church of Christ.......... 1 Latter-Day Saints (Mormon)........4 7th Day Adventist................4 Unitarian.......................4 Quaker........................2
UU Campus Ministry What does campus ministry look like? Sending valentines day cards/exam care packages Inviting students to justice events Offering rides to worship and other events Inviting students over to dinner Regular worship on campus Regular covenant group on campus OWL on campus Support of interfaith group on campus
UU Campus Ministry Best Practices Institutional Support From a congregational staff person From a dedicated lay leader/team of lay leaders Integral part of what the congregation does Great neighborhood outreach Project Support and recognition from congregation of individuals heading up this ministry Institutional Relationship Ministry to a particular group of students who need our ministry now Long-lasting relationship with another institution, two traditional pillars of the community
UU Campus Ministry Being More Visible, Changing More Lives Start Campus Ministry Crew Start-up Questions and Answers Build Campus Ministry Visioning Becoming Official Attracting and Retaining Members Sustain Activity, program and curriculum examples
Resources for UU Young Adult and Campus Ministry Campus Ministry UUA Campus Ministry Website: http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/campusministry YACM-Leaders Listserv: http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/youngadults/112286.shtml Campus UUs Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/campusuus Young Adult Resource one Resource two Etc.
Q & A
Thank You