One of the key emphases
of the conference I attended last week of fellow ministers working with 50+
aged adults was the importance of evangelistic efforts and outreach directed
toward this burgeoning population segment.
Approximately 10,000 baby boomers are reaching retirement age
daily. Given the current economic
challenges, not all of these folks are opting to walk away from their jobs, but
the sheer numbers of emerging boomers are staggering. Clearly we cannot ignore the spiritual
needs of these individuals.
One participant spoke about
the concept of “third places” as a potential strategy for reaching these
folks. The concept of a third place was
popularized by urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his book The Great Good Place. Third
places (or third spaces as they’re sometimes referred to) designate locations
where people gather informally when not at their first place (home) or their
second place (work). In these welcoming
spots where folks gather to exchange ideas, pursue a hobby or pastime, or just
to relax with friends and make new acquaintances, unique opportunities are offered
for the church to engage its community missionally.
The younger crowd has
pretty well claimed Starbucks as its own third place domain, but emerging
boomers have plenty of other options out there from which to choose. Baseball and soccer fields where their grandchildren
practice, recreational and health centers, local restaurants, bookstores,
community centers, and other public venues can be places where Christians
cultivate meaningful relationships with neighbors on a neutral turf. What we cannot afford to do is to simply rely
on our traditional “come and hear” approaches to evangelism and outreach.
Where are some spots that
you would consider an ideal “third place” to meet and enter into meaningful relationships
with non-Christians?
