The Rev. Al Allison and his wife Heather planted Red Bank Chapel – a chapel of The Mission Chattanooga – in 2013, opening a coffee shop and parents’ day out program. Fr. Al has been pastoring the millennial generation since 2001 and is leading his workshop “Reaching the Next Generation: Engaging, Teaching, Discipling Millennials” during Synod 2017.

How have you seen churches engaging with Millennials, and what have been the outcomes?
Tradition and story are very attractive to the millennial generation, especially in the context of relationships. Praise God, we’re loaded with that! Traditionalism, however, is viewed as suspect, rote, canned, institutionalized, soulless. When the Church incarnates like Jesus, millennials warm to us like moths to a flame. When we stand back, expecting them to fall in line, or move in mimicking authenticity, we lose them at a staggering rate.

What do you hope your workshop attendees take home about bridging the gap and connecting with the Millennial generation?
The necessity of being R.E.A.L. (relational, engaging, authentic, and loving) with this generation. I believe these young men and women are Holy Spirit’s gift to us, calling us to live what we say we believe – making disciples, who make disciples, who’ll do the same.

Registration is now open for Conference & Synod 2017: Mission Matters. Join us November 3-4 as we explore how local churches can be on mission in today’s world, reach out to our communities with the Gospel, worship, re-connect, learn, and discern together! 

Visit the Conference & Synod 2017 site to learn more about speakers, workshops, lodging, and the weekend schedule.

by Rachel Moorman
Communications Associate
news@adots.org