Discussion Questions - via NPCC

The folks over at NPCC have been pulling at my heart recently. I've watched the first part of their "Just Ask" Series probably 4-5 times since they have posted it.
I admire Andy's team for constantly evaluating their Ministry in the Atlanta Area and seeing how they can be more effective at reaching more.

They are specifically targeting the 18-24 crowd.
The crowd that has pretty much disappeared from any organized religion. The ones that are spiritual, but not religious. The ones that see church as a place that would wreck freedom.

That's everyone I grew up with. Wait a minute...that's me.

I cannot even begin to tell you how many people I went to youth group with from 8th grade to 12th grade that have ABOSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with any form of organized religion.
So many things have changed even over the past 5 years for my generation. Even in the past YEAR!!!

Honestly, I don't blame them for not wanting to attend.

A few months ago I read through Dan Kimball's book "They Like Jesus But Not The Church" What an eye opener that was! Take a look at this quote: "People in their late teens to early thirties have so much optimism and idealism and zeal. Historically, we see people of those ages starting all types of movements and new ways of thinking."

It's true. Here are a few examples:

• Bill Hybels - Willow Creek Community Church
  
• Rick Warren - Saddleback Church
  
• Andy Stanley - North Point, Browns Bridge, Buckhead
  
• Craig Groeschel - lifechurch.tv
  

Here are some Discussion Questions Andy Stanley asked:

1. When have you attended an event or a metting for the first time and felt comfortable/uncomfortable?
2. Describe the first time you visited the church that you currently attend. Did someone invite you or did you attend on your own?
3. How is the church you currently attend different from churches you have visited in the past? What are some positive/negative differences?
4. What would make a first-time visitor to a church want to come back the following week? what would hinder them from coming again the collowing week?
5. Describle, if any, your attempts to invite a friend to come to church with you? how successful were you?
6. Are there any friends you are considering inviting to church? What further steps can you take in order to invite that friend to a church event/service?

I'm seriously wondering what most answers to these questions would sound like. I'm also afraid of most of the answers.

God help us to be a church that will reach the Next-Generation.