Did some one say CBF doesnt have young people

[Ed Pettibone]

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_zZV8 ... 010563.JPG

Just ran across this shot taken at the leadership conference at the 2008 CBF Assembly in Memphis

Here is another of the same meeting https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_zZV8 ... 010567.JPG

[Tim Dahl]

I've noticed many people speaking of the aging attendees of the various convention. I've even made mention of it, making reference to the ones I've attended.

What I've noticed is that there are some young attendees at every convention's meeting. But, I've never seen any hard numbers come out from these events as to the ratio of younger to older attendees. Is it 1:2, or 1:5? Is it something closer to 1:50 or 1:100? I wouldn't even begin to know how to find out those ratios. I don't remember a place to put my age on the last BGCT Annual Convention registration form I filled out.

The only event that I've experienced with a visualy large group of 35 year olds or less has been at an Epicenter conference. It was the BGCT Evangelism Conference when Rick Davis was the Evangelism Director. It featured Dallas Willard, and there were tons of young ministers that showed up. I remember thinking that the whole minister alliance from my days at Howard Payne University was there.

Tim

[Ed Pettibone]

I've noticed many people speaking of the aging attendees of the various convention. I've even made mention of it, making reference to the ones I've attended.

What I've noticed is that there are some young attendees at every convention's meeting. But, I've never seen any hard numbers come out from these events as to the ratio of younger to older attendees. Is it 1:2, or 1:5? Is it something closer to 1:50 or 1:100? I wouldn't even begin to know how to find out those ratios. I don't remember a place to put my age on the last BGCT Annual Convention registration form I filled out.

The only event that I've experienced with a visualy large group of 35 year olds or less has been at an Epicenter conference. It was the BGCT Evangelism Conference when Rick Davis was the Evangelism Director. It featured Dallas Willard, and there were tons of young ministers that showed up. I remember thinking that the whole minister alliance from my days at Howard Payne University was there.

Tim

Ed: Like you Tim, I have no idea of how to arrive at an accurate count without asking age on the registration, and that "ain't" politically correct. My best guess for CBF attendees would be 1:10, under 36 to those over 35. While I am guessing let me take a shot at the median age of those between 18 and 35 note this is only a 18 year range I would guess the median age of of attendees in this group to be 27. So then we look at the other group 35 up arbitrarily to 85, note in contrast to the younger group this one spans 50 years. So why is any one worried because they see so many of us? On the average we have more "Disposable" income than the younger crowd allowing us to travel more. We also have cumulatively a lot more time money and energy invested in Baptist causes. And then there is the "Youth" contingent school age kids whom we seldom see because they have their own program. One of our grandsons went to an CBF Assembly in Atlanta one year, and he loved meeting President Carter. Ye The younger croup of to day hopefully with be in the older group someday and find reasons to stay for many years, But for reasons given the younger group will never catch up numerically with the older group. I do pray that the ration may be narrowed somewhat. I think one to 4 would be great. But first the ratio in the churches has to change.

[Dave Roberts]

CBFVA just sponsored two Mission Madness Weekend's that had more young people wanting to attend and do misisons than we get in total attendance for CBFVA General Assembly meetings. The generational divide may be about doing missions, not just talking about them. Meetings don't attract the 18 to 35 crowd at all.

[Ed Pettibone]

CBFVA just sponsored two Mission Madness Weekend's that had more young people wanting to attend and do misisons than we get in total attendance for CBFVA General Assembly meetings. The generational divide may be about doing missions, not just talking about them. Meetings don't attract the 18 to 35 crowd at all.

Ed Dave did you look at the two photos I posted above? And at the one day symposium in Philly where Bruce spoke last week, there where also people in the 18 to 35 range. I do have the idea that most in that age group where indeed locals. Therefore no additional housing cost to attend. Especially the young fellow with a t-shirt saying "I am an atheist because I believe in reason and proof".

[Big Daddy Weaver]

CBF has a healthy number of under-35s who attend General Assembly. No way to know the percentage but the number is quite significant at least compared to the BGCT.

If you take out the BGCT staffers, how many under-35s attend the annual meeting? The timing of the BGCT meeting and often the distance certainly contributes to lack of youngish Baptist interest.

[Tim Dahl]

It is easy to say that one group does better at getting the young out, especially without quantifiable data. Instead, we are left with personal observation. When I went to the TB Annual Meeting, I hung out at the HPU and Truett booths; thereby seeing lots of "younger" folks. But the problem is, what I consider "lots" probably isn't that great of a number. When I looked out at the audience during the main assembly times, it was mostly nice suites and gray hair. Was I in the wrong seating to see all of the young folks? Maybe. Were they all hanging out in the lobby, talking and catching up? Possibly. But, my "impression" was that the older folks vastly outnumbered the younger.

An impression.

All that it is...

...is an impression.

With out quantifiable data, all we have are impressions.

I want the CBF to have lots of young people. I can see where the past emphasis of being incarnating Christ in the community could really spark with that age groups tendencies toward volunteerism. I really liked the emphasis on spiritual disciplines, especially the 23 week curriculum. Granted, I wish they would break it up into 7-8 week bites; but it has been the best thing out there (imo). That more experiential emphasis (experiencing Christ through the disciplines) can also spark well with the younger group. I would love for the CBF to be bulging at the seems with younger participants. I would love it... I would love... I would...

But, without some kind of quantifiable data what do we have?

Impressions.

Tim

[Big Daddy Weaver]

I'm not sure we need data to back-up the assertion that the General Assembly is going to attract a greater percentage of young people than the annual BGCT meeting. General Assembly's are held in places like DC, Charlotte, Houston, Birmingham, Memphis, Tampa. In the last few years, the BGCT has been held in places like McAllen and Amarillo. When BGCT meets in a bigger city like Houston or near a seminary/university, I'm sure the young turnout is better.

I think a healthy number of young people attend CBF. Now, that doesn't make the organization healthy. As we know, these meetings - BGCT, SBC, CBF - don't turnout representatives from a large percentage of cooperating churches.

[Ed Pettibone]

It is easy to say that one group does better at getting the young out, especially without quantifiable data. Instead, we are left with personal observation. When I went to the TB Annual Meeting, I hung out at the HPU and Truett booths; thereby seeing lots of "younger" folks. But the problem is, what I consider "lots" probably isn't that great of a number. When I looked out at the audience during the main assembly times, it was mostly nice suites and gray hair. Was I in the wrong seating to see all of the young folks? Maybe. Were they all hanging out in the lobby, talking and catching up? Possibly. But, my "impression" was that the older folks vastly outnumbered the younger.

An impression.

All that it is...

...is an impression.

With out quantifiable data, all we have are impressions.

I want the CBF to have lots of young people. I can see where the past emphasis of being incarnating Christ in the community could really spark with that age groups tendencies toward volunteerism. I really liked the emphasis on spiritual disciplines, especially the 23 week curriculum. Granted, I wish they would break it up into 7-8 week bites; but it has been the best thing out there (imo). That more experiential emphasis (experiencing Christ through the disciplines) can also spark well with the younger group. I would love for the CBF to be bulging at the seems with younger participants. I would love it... I would love... I would...

But, without some kind of quantifiable data what do we have?

Impressions.

Tim

Ed: But Tim, isn't there a better chance of accuracy of the impressions of those who have observed first hand year after year, than by naysayers who who's experience is out dated by as much as fifteen years. Personally at 77.5 I am greatly encouraged for the future of CBF by the numbers of those 18-35 year old and 35 to 55 year old that I have seen at the last 5 national Assemblies. I will be in Tampa for the 20th anniversary and if I am still alive I will attempt be where ever for the 25th. I have an idea that by 2021 there may be no mass annual Assemblies and only one or two a meetings of the Coordinating Council made up of state an regional leadership. And to me that would not be a failure but evidence that the states and regions have matured sufficiently to function on their own, with a small national staff of specialist both traveling the nation offering training and support in different areas of ministry rather than unified programing. And Operating a mass communication network utilizing the latest in technology to link Churches and individuals, with one another. I wish I thought I would be around to see If I am right, but the odds are against me. It seems to me that we have pretty much of outgrown the Texas / Virginia competition of the first years and have a solid base from which to facilitate true ministry.

[Gene Scarborough]

LIke most larger denominations these days, younger people seem to be turned off "just going to the meeting."

They tend to be selfish in the way they spend money and time: "If it benefits me, I will go---otherwise, count me out!"

I think the future of any larger group depends on a youthful interest boding a bright future. In many local churches the same is true. Down the road from me is a Church of Christ with a fine young minister with whom I have had several good conversations. He says he could go elsewhere, but enjoys being more on home turf. He has a contemporary worship and a nice Fellowship Hall where youth and their families gather. It is appealing to many nonn-members as well since this is an area without activities or places for the young to go. On Sundays they have a large number of young people and their families.

I applaude his outlook over his church's future. The other different churches here (UMC, Episcopal [oldest church in NC], First Christian) tend to be more "grey" since loyalty to a larger life escapes many young families these days. The Elementary School here and organized sports has a large draw so I know we have many young families as I ride by the ball field. We are wise to provide for their needs in churches as well.

Hope young ministers are in large attendance at the annual gathering---I do so like "gathering" as opposed to "convention."

[Ed Pettibone]

Ed: Gene gathering is not a bad word and it is sometimes used for the annual National CBF event, but historically that event is called "the Assembly".

Seems appropriate in light of the following from Dictionary.com : Convention, assembly, conference, convocation name meetings for particular purposes. Convention usually suggests a meeting of delegates representing political, church, social, or fraternal organization. Assembly usually implies a meeting for a settled or customary purpose, as for discussion, legislation, or participation in a social function. Conference suggests a meeting for consultation and discussion about business or professional problems. Convocation denotes a (church) assembly, the members of which have been summoned for a special purpose; chapel services at some colleges are called convocations.

[Gene Scarborough]

Thanks, Ed, for your usual clarity on all things---and I really mean it!

I'm most anxious to hear the reports and pray for a great meeting.

[Ed Pettibone]

Register now to be part of this historic and memorable celebration of 20 years of free and faithful Baptists. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Tampa Convention Center with a full dinner, the celebration also includes, music from Ken Medema, entertainment and a reflection from Molly Marshall. You must purchase your ticket in advance online; it’s just $20/adult and $10/child. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by; register online!

We are registered, hope to see you there.

[Big Daddy Weaver]

Any bets on what the dinner menu will be? I generally enjoy the chicken at these type of hotel conference dinners. But the rest is downhill. The food is more pretty than tasty.

[Ed Pettibone]

Any bets on what the dinner menu will be? I generally enjoy the chicken at these type of hotel conference dinners. But the rest is downhill. The food is more pretty than tasty.

Ed: If I where on the planning committee I would object strongly to chicken being the only choice. Yea1 Chicken is cheap. That is about all it has going as far as I am concerned. Give me a decent slice of roast beef or Ham. For Twenty bucks they ought to be able to do a couple pork chops. I would rather have Meatloaf than Chicken. I would pay an extra $5.00 for a decent fillet of beef.

[Gene Scarborough]

Eatin Meetin!!!!---enjoy!

[Big Daddy Weaver]

Any bets on what the dinner menu will be? I generally enjoy the chicken at these type of hotel conference dinners. But the rest is downhill. The food is more pretty than tasty.

Ed: If I where on the planning committee I would object strongly to chicken being the only choice. Yea1 Chicken is cheap. That is about all it has going as far as I am concerned. Give me a decent slice of roast beef or Ham. For Twenty bucks they ought to be able to do a couple pork chops. I would rather have Meatloaf than Chicken. I would pay an extra $5.00 for a decent fillet of beef.

Me too. These meals for me are largely a waste of money. I generally enjoy the meat even if it is rubber chicken. Sometimes the green veggie is fine. Sometimes it is not. I'm not a big dessert person and rather picky on that front. So that doesn't help. And as someone who is severely addicted to carbonated beverages - specifically of the Diet variety - I'm not satisfied when the choices are tea and water. I'll drink the water - although more often than not, I can't find a lemon. But, oddly enough, I've not been able to teach myself to like tea. I've tried, trust me. Not happening. And as my wife will attest, I'm really not a picky eater. Just a meat and potatoes kinda guy who loves his Diet soda.

[Ed Pettibone]

Ed: If I where on the planning committee I would object strongly to chicken being the only choice. Yea1 Chicken is cheap. That is about all it has going as far as I am concerned. Give me a decent slice of roast beef or Ham. For Twenty bucks they ought to be able to do a couple pork chops. I would rather have Meatloaf than Chicken. I would pay an extra $5.00 for a decent fillet of beef.

Aaron W: Me too. These meals for me are largely a waste of money. I generally enjoy the meat even if it is rubber chicken. Sometimes the green veggie is fine. Sometimes it is not. I'm not a big dessert person and rather picky on that front. So that doesn't help. And as someone who is severely addicted to carbonated beverages - specifically of the Diet variety - I'm not satisfied when the choices are tea and water. I'll drink the water - although more often than not, I can't find a lemon. But, oddly enough, I've not been able to teach myself to like tea. I've tried, trust me. Not happening. And as my wife will attest, I'm really not a picky eater. Just a meat and potatoes kinda guy who loves his Diet soda.

Ed; And from experience I know that it is some times possible for an arrangements committee to negotiate better prices than they do. If not a better price, perhaps a wider selection. And remember that generally the gratuity is included for banquets. I also acknowledge that venues such as convention centers with their irregular demand can not compete price wise with the every day restaurant down the block, however the committee should know what the better restaurants within walking distance offer before negotiating with the conference host facility . We some times make the tough choice and skip events that are centered around over priced meals. Unless a personal friend happens to be an Honoree at the banquet.

And Aaron From you recent avatar it look like diet sodas are working for you, or is it just the camera angle? I have only found one diet soda that I enjoy. Tea with a meal doesn't do it for me either, but do be aware there are teas, and then there are teas. Vast differences. I prefer coffee and In recent years I have learned to drink it without cream or sugar. But sometimes restaurant coffee does need to be masked, and when flavored creamers are available I do sometimes indulge my self.

[Big Daddy Weaver]

I'm down about 45 pounds since January 1. Still looking to drop another 30 or so. My wife is about 5 month pregnant, for a long time got nauseated at the sight and smell of everything I enjoy to eat and craves foods that turn my belly. So I've been cutting back, sticking with the more simply and easy things that I know how to prepare.

Didn't realize till I shed some pounds how poorly my leg had been rehabbed from my car accident recovery in 2006. Unfortunately, the more active I now am, the more problems I'm having with my knee, which was originally hurt in a season-ending football injury in HS(guy drilled my knee while i was standing upright on late hit) and seems to have worsened from having an inadequately rehabbed weak leg (broke the femur in two places).

[Ed Pettibone]

I'm down about 45 pounds since January 1. Still looking to drop another 30 or so. My wife is about 5 month pregnant, for a long time got nauseated at the sight and smell of everything I enjoy to eat and craves foods that turn my belly. So I've been cutting back, sticking with the more simply and easy things that I know how to prepare.

Didn't realize till I shed some pounds how poorly my leg had been rehabbed from my car accident recovery in 2006. Unfortunately, the more active I now am, the more problems I'm having with my knee, which was originally hurt in a season-ending football injury in HS(guy drilled my knee while i was standing upright on late hit) and seems to have worsened from having an inadequately rehabbed weak leg (broke the femur in two places).

Ed; You do look quite different than the pics I took of you in Memphis in 2008, so If I do not recognize you in Tampa please make your self known. I haven't changed a lot from my avatar. Although I do usually keep both eyes open under normal lighting conditions and i will not be wearing that heavy sweater. That pix was snapped on a very bright spring day while visiting the NY extension of Williams Alma Mater, MABTS.