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Young adults, from thoughout the Baltimore-Washington Conference, gathered recently to redefine the church and their place in it.

More than 200 young adults, ages 18-39, declared that they want to be leaders and start innovative ministries in their local churches during a Young Adult Summit at the Conference Center Nov. 3.

'Too often, the church wants young people but doesn't want to change,' said Bishop John R. Schol. 'But today's goal is to identify five strategies or actions that we're going to do in the Baltimore-Washington Conference for young adults. We need to be in prayer for the Holy Spirit to move us.'

During round table discussions, the participants expressed the need to start new ministries with people with HIV/AIDS and disabilities, single parents, and provide young adult caf?s and mission trips in their churches.

More than half of the young adults present said they wanted to engage in Bible study to deepen and widen their faith. 

Other concerns and suggestions the young adults spoke about were having creative worship, including different styles of music, as many want to share their musical talents; the use of technology; and the need to be accepted and not judged by other Christians.

Earlier in the morning, all people ? young and old, African American, Hispanic and white ? clapped and raised their hands in worship as they listened to the music of the First AME Zion Choir of Tennessee.

'This is not only about young adults, it's about revitalizing the churches and it's a good opportunity for everyone,' said Laura McCrae of Queen's Chapel UMC in Beltsville. McCrae, a seminary student, was part of a group of clergy and laity who coordinated the event.

The participants also heard from Rev. Jim Walker of Hot Metal Bridge, a street ministry based in Pittsburgh, spoke about being authentic.

Walker encouraged participants to live like heroes who make sacrifices for others and not like rock stars who live for themselves.

'To follow Jesus Christ, you must abandon your life,' he said. 'We don't need rock stars; we need servants who are willing to be heroes.'

Walker spoke of his favorite hero, Spiderman, who threw his gear in the trash because he was tired of saving the world. Later, Spiderman retrieved his gear when he realized the world needs heroes who can sacrifice their lives for others.

'Heroes are weak, vulnerable, fragile and broken; they put their lives on the line for others,' Walker said.

'What kind of people are we going to be?' he asked.

According to Walker, young adults are feeling alienated and rejected. 'The church says we want young people, but we're not ready to sacrifice,' he said.
 
He urged those present not to be concerned with demographics or targeting a certain group of people. 'When we follow Christ, people will come along,' he said.

According to a national research group, 42 percent of young adults, ages 18 to 25, do not attend church on a weekly basis; by age 29, attendance decreases to 58 percent.

'Today's energy was spirit filled,' said Adam Bridell, a member of St Luke's UMC in Washington, D.C., who helped organize the event.

'The challenge now,' Bridell said, 'is to seize this momentum and empower our congregations with the tools they need to connect with their communities and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.'