Tracing Journeys

A study of church leaving in young adulthood

Tracing Journeys is a research project undertaken by the Resourcing Local Mission Team of the Uniting Church Synod of WA. Its aim was to hear the stories of young adults and their church involvement. The absence of young adults in many Uniting Church congregations around Western Australia has meant that we have not heard these valuable voices. Young people are greatly underrepresented in churches. Where have the journeys of these young people taken them? How did they get there and what determined their choices?

Often churches are interested in hearing these stories, but possibly for the wrong reasons. Self-preservation of the church institution should not be our motivation for listening. Rather we should be concerned to hear of the barriers we may have helped create, however unintentionally, that have caused young adults to explore alternative paths. We need to approach these stories with an open mind for the future. What can these journeys tell us about the church God is calling us to be?

The research commenced in February 2003 and was completed in November 2003. The aim of the project was to identify the needs of young adults and explore why they are leaving the Uniting Church. The target group identified was those who had at some stage been involved in a Uniting Church and were aged between 20 and 35.

The results from the project have been divided into eight areas of concern. These divisions will enable you to address particular aspects that may affect your community or interest. Some areas naturally intersect and have a great impact on each other.
1. Faith Development
2. Worship
3. Community
4. Leadership
5. Theology and Interpretation
6. Membership
7. Mission and Outreach
8. Traditions of the Church

Cathie Lambert is the dean.