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Ask the Experts Discussion: Wayne Cordeiro

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What are some ways your church has worked to appeal to a diverse range of age groups?
Wayne Corderio is senior pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Wayne Cordeiro responds in our Ask the Experts discussion.


Topics:Diversity, Family, Generations, Growth, Hospitality, Seniors, Singles, Youth
Filters:Children's pastor, Evangelism, Generational ministry, Outreach, Pastor, Seniors ministry, Sunday school, Worship leader
Purpose:Evangelism
Date Added:January 16, 2008

Total Reader Responses: 4 (see below)
Add your own comment

There are several ways to reach a diverse range of age groups, but they all begin with a heart-set more than a program. The attitude of the pastor has to be one of love toward every age group, seeing the potential in each. In other words, I love people, but more than that, I love the potential that lies within people!

I see potential in children and young people. So much talent is hidden within them, and if we can harness that, we can move the world! I see latent possibilities in the young married couples and equally in our older adults. Everything our community needs lies within them!

Now with that in mind, I would not program something to "appease" each age group. Instead, I'd rather equip each group so that its potential is released for the kingdom in some beneficial way.

I must keep all of these values in mind—not only when I lead, but also when others lead. As a senior leader, I am a gatekeeper for our values, a kind "reinforcer" of God's heart to young decision-makers. At times, I am a translator and an explainer; at other times, I am a re-arranger of errant decisions made by others I lead.

I have found that even diverse age groups will weather my mistakes when they are convinced of my genuine love for them.



Jim   (Guest) Posted: January 21, 2008
I am presently attending several nondemoninatioal churches to find one that pleases attendees seeking a more traditional (classic) style of the 50's and 60's. I have great difficulty with the culture that exists in many churches which, I believe, sell our Savior short with attitudes and disrespect that is embarassing! I believe many of these overbuilt mega-churches truly think that to make their next mortgage payment the santuary of their building needs to be a rock-n-roll atmosphere that attracts younger crowds and their tithing. I truly believe that many younger church goers would be very pleased with a Pastor that does not include loud, long, repetitive singing that causes people to gyrate and grind. The word of God, as set forth in scripture is the greatest news for our day and needs to be studied and discussed with seriousness and great respect. I believe young families want this! Thanks for reading, Jim


Gabe Lett   (Guest) Posted: January 21, 2008
This answer may look different for every church and church leader, because God is always up to something different in each community. Only He knows the needs of a particular demographic area in ways our statistics and research will never tell us. Therefore, it is imperative that, as a church leader, your ears are always tuned in to the Spirit, doing whatever it is He calls you to do. It's great to have the desire to serve all people of all demographic ranges, including age, but ultimately we will serve most effectively, those whom God puts in our path and provides vision for, no matter the age. Bottom line is this; pray, pray, pray and listen, listen, listen!


Steve   (Guest) Posted: January 19, 2008
As a worship pastor in a church with mostly older traditional congregants, my biggest challenge is to change their views on how we worship. They want to attract younger adults but do not want to comprimise on the way they worship. What you write is great but I need a deeper resource so I can gain greater understanding on the ways to communicate with them.


Linda   (Guest) Posted: January 17, 2008
Whatever this church is doing is working. We were in Wayne's church on a Sunday morning (he wasn't there, we were told he was running in the Marathon taking place in the city that day) in Dec. 2007. It was full of different age groups. It was encouraging to me to see people my age (50's) on the worship team also, pouring their hearts out in worship. We had a couple with us (in their early 70's) who enjoyed the service too.


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