LE3 .A278 2014

2014

Wilson, Robert

Acadia University

Doctor of Ministry

D.Min.

Ministry

Acadia Divinity College

The Liverpool and Brooklyn Baptist Churches have experienced growth over the past four years. The increase has primarily been a result of conversions and to a lesser degree transfers of membership. Surprisingly the church has benefitted very little from biological growth. Children, who were brought up in the church, attended its programs and were baptized at a young age, are choosing not to be involved as adults. Their decision to not return to church is a disturbing trend and needs to be reversed. Research gathered from interviews with eight individuals, who attended one of the two churches as children but no longer regularly attend as adults, showed that with the exception of one person, all left church in their mid-teens. This decision was based more on rebellion than any other factor. Unlike their decision to leave, their reason for not returning was well thought out. They have serious reservations about attending a church that, from their perspective, is not active enough in meeting the social needs of local residents. Their rationale for not returning, for the most part, was unique when compared with other literature. The biblical and theological testimony shows that the church should practice a holistic mission that involves displaying social responsibility and concern for Christian witness. Practicing this intertwined mission means that the two churches will need to broaden their vision. By following a specific plan they can change their culture and place themselves in a better position to retain their youth.

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