Adventures in Singledom - Reaching the Y Generation

How do we as Christians reach the Y Generation, people born between 1980 and 1995? Impacting this emerging generation for God, has become an even greater challenge for churches in an age where apathy and mistrust for Christianity have become commonplace, quite often an effect of negative church experiences. An alarming statistic is that if a person does not give their life to Christ by the age of 18, they have about a 6% chance of ever becoming a disciple. It is from the ages of 18–29, that so many young adults fall into destructive patterns that can take them down paths that lead far from God, but it is also the time that the majority of people make a decision to become a disciple. This reality is the inspiration for an explosive and exciting new ministry within The Turning Point Church in Los Angeles (formerly known as the AMS Ministry).

Already having taken a leap of faith in September of 2007 by enlisting a non-paid staff of seven singles and two married couples to lead the singles ministry, The Turning Point has embarked upon another endeavor destined to take their faith to an even deeper level. In February of this year, The Turning Point singles split into two different ministries: The Point, a 30 and over ministry focused on spiritual maturity and The Crux, a mission team-minded ministry focused on connecting Christ to the under-30 set. Without a campus ministry that naturally feeds into The Turning Point congregation, it is crucial to find ways to continually invigorate the group with younger singles. Made up of twenty-two predominately under-30 single disciples, who volunteered to be a part of this ministry, The Crux members, “Crux-sters” have a deep desire to build spiritual friendships with young singles in their community. Motivated by a hope to share God’s love with the “unchurched,” those who do not regularly attend church, the Crux-sters, like missionaries, journey into non-Christian culture consisting of: coffee houses, book stores, arcades, and even alternative campuses such as fashion, film, music and drama schools. Along with the congregational service on Sunday, they have gatherings on Thursday nights which include a variety of cutting-edge musical worship, lessons and other activities designed to help the Y Generation know God.

God has already moved powerfully within this ministry as on February 14^th, 2008, The Crux was blessed with its first baptism, an 18 year-old woman aptly named Heaven Lange. Although an aunt, uncle and set of grandparents are already disciples and Heaven had done character studies with the teen ministry in Seattle, seeds were undoubtedly planted, but she had not made a decision to follow God. Upon Heaven’s first visit to The Turning Point, her heart reflected a desire to keep people at a distance, but once The Crux started, Heaven made a decision to study the bible. Realizing how “her way” had not been working, Heaven has since passionately welcomed God and His people into her life.

Stepping out on faith and doing what God desires, is always a challenge. As The Crux Ministry strives to impact a dynamic but difficult-to-reach generation, they are taking God at His word (Matthew 28:18-20) and will undoubtedly help change the lives of many young singles for Him.

The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 1:7-8)