HOW THE CHURCH LOST THE RELATIONAL GLUE THAT HELD US TOGETHER- AND HOW TO FIX IT.
IMPROVING ADULT RELATIONSHIPS
There are ways to create optimal group formats and bring relational functions back into the contemporary church. Small groups can combine and large groups can divide into ideal sized meetings. All relational groups have to meet regularly over time, allow interaction, and be led by trained individuals. Group leaders faccilitate interactions, correct problems, guide the groups to accomplish goals, delegate member support, plan events during holidays, celebrate birthdays, and integrate visitors. New members can benefit from trained sponsors who can match them with potential friends. Any church can become highly relational so that attrition from lonliness is wiped out.
IMPROVING YOUTH RELATIONSHIPS
Currently Christianity experiences about an 80% failure ratio of retaining our youth. This is far above Mormon and Jewish failure rates. Our children and youth have been deprived of the most important aspect of spiritual formation - strong Christian peer relationships and adult mentors. Youth need to fulfill meaningful tasks, be honored by the older tribe, and be trained in the Christian worldview. Youth need a well managed group that is big enough to thrive. They need activities during weekends, holidays, and summers so that they will not be poached by competitive movements. Cliques need to be skillfully managed. Some Christian youth groups have produced a very high ratio of successful graduates, and their practices should become known. I have also written a book, "Raising Lions" that documents some of the best practices implemented by highly relational youth groups who continually graduate loyal and strong future leaders.
