How to make the church relevant in modern times—and to a tech-savvy, younger generation—is a challenge across America.
The Rev. Robert S. Harvey, of St. Stephen Church, and the Rev. Corrie Shull, of Burnett Ave Baptist Church, are two influential pastors in Louisville's African American community. They also represent the next generation of spiritual and religious leaders in the city.
With the 2015 Festival of Faiths beginning May 12, I sat down with both pastors to discuss how they attract new members to their congregations.
"I think it depends on the community where those measurements are being taken and the resources being practices," Shull said. "I know in the African American community there are higher rates of retention of millennials in our houses of worship than there are in some other communities.
"So I think part of that is due to the freedom of the African American worship experience and spiritual traditions and also the importance that that tradition places on communal aspects and validating individuals in their humanity as creatures of God."
We also previewed a panel they'll be a part of on May 16 at 10 a.m., titled, "Discovering the Self in the Sacred Journey with the Other."
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