DOE1 Original

Bridging the Gap

How Do We Engage the Younger Generation in the Local Church?
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Course Description

The course, "Bridging the Gap," led by Bishop L. Dennis Page and Dr. Rob Fultz, provides churches with a strategic framework to effectively engage and empower young adults. Dr. Fultz introduces his extensive pastoral experience and the C2 Next Gen initiative, which aims to train young adults for ministry through immersive summer programs. Emphasizing the demographic and cultural shifts impacting traditional church dynamics, Dr. Fultz emphasizes the importance of communicating clear, scripturally-rooted values while adapting to modern contexts to avoid traditionalism.

The course covers essential themes such as worship styles, technology integration, and community engagement tailored to resonate with younger church members. It also explores critical topics, including succession planning, social justice, and the integration of diverse perspectives in church leadership. Dr. Fultz advocates for mentorship and active involvement of younger voices in decision-making processes, promoting their entrepreneurial spirit and desire for meaningful engagement. Ultimately, the course equips church leaders with practical strategies to bridge generational divides, nurture future leaders, and foster a vibrant, inclusive church community aligned with the aspirations of the next generation.

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Course Lessons:

  • Lesson 1: Background and C2 Next Gen.
  • Lesson 2: Tradition Versus Traditionalism
  • Lesson 3: Engaging the Younger Generation: Tradition, Worship, and the Holy Spirit
  • Lesson 4: Leveraging Technology to Engage the Younger Generation in the Church
  • Lesson 5: Intentionally Involving and Mentoring the Younger Generation in Church Leadership
  • Lesson 6: Planning and Empowering the Next Generation in Church Leadership
  • Lesson 7: Engaging the Next Generation in Biblical Justice
  • Lesson 8: Building Vibrant Community
  • Lesson 9: Adapting for Impact

Course Lessons

Meet the instructor

Dr. Rob Fultz

In teaching this course, I, Dr. Rob Fultz, draw from my extensive experience in senior pastoral roles across Washington, D.C. and Southern California, as well as my current leadership of the C2 Next Gen initiative in North Georgia. This course is a response to the critical need for churches to effectively engage young adults, aged 18 to 30, amidst significant demographic shifts and cultural changes. Through discussions on traditional values versus traditionalism, the role of technology in ministry, and the importance of community and social justice, I aim to equip church leaders with practical strategies rooted in biblical principles. My goal is to empower churches to bridge generational divides, cultivate future leaders, and create vibrant, inclusive communities that resonate deeply with the aspirations and values of the next generation. 
Patrick Jones - Course author