Lack of Social Connections

Young professionals in AY programs often struggle to balance work, personal responsibilities, and church activities. Time management can be tough, and taking on leadership roles sometimes leads to burnout. Financial pressures and the feeling that some church programs don’t address their needs—like career guidance or spiritual growth—can leave them feeling disconnected. Generational and cultural gaps in the church may create misunderstandings, and some young adults feel isolated if they don’t have peers in similar life stages. Challenges like; Time management Lack of peer support Burnout and fatigue Cultural and generational differences Leadership pressure Navigating secular influences 1. Spiritual Growth Provide deeper Bible studies and spiritual development programs that challenge me to grow in my faith, especially around issues relevant to my life stage (like work, relationships, and navigating the world as a young adult). 2. Professional Growth Create mentorship opportunities with experienced professionals within the church who can offer career advice, share their experiences, and guide me through professional challenges. 3. Personal Growth Provide resources for personal development, such as workshops on emotional well-being, handling stress, and work-life balance, which are common challenges for young professionals. 1. More Flexible and Convenient Activities: Young professionals often juggle work, family, and personal lives, so having more flexible scheduling for church activities and events would make it easier for them to participate. Maybe offering virtual Bible studies, evening events, or weekend retreats could help accommodate their busy schedules. 2. Relevant Topics and Programs: The church could address issues that directly impact young professionals, such as work-life balance, financial planning, career guidance, and personal relationships. By offering seminars or workshops tailored to these life stages, young professionals would feel more connected to the church's mission. 3. Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Young professionals often look for career mentorship and networking. The church could offer mentorship programs that pair young professionals with experienced members who can offer career advice, spiritual support, and practical guidance. 4. Increased Role in Leadership: Giving them the chance to take on more significant roles can also make them feel more invested in the church community. 5. Inclusive and Relevant Worship Styles: While traditional hymns have their place, incorporating more contemporary worship styles could attract young professionals who may be more comfortable with modern music, multimedia, and other creative elements in worship. 6. Social and Networking Events: A relaxed, social atmosphere—such as after-church hangouts or community service events—can help young professionals build connections outside of formal church activities. These spaces could also foster conversations and deeper friendships that make the church feel more like a community. 7. Support for Mental Health and Wellness: Mental health and emotional wellness are vital for many young professionals. The church could offer support groups or counseling services for issues like work stress, burnout, and navigating life transitions. Somewhat Somewhat Somewhat "Generations in Harmony" program: A program to bring younger and older church members together, helping them understand and appreciate each other. It bridges the gap between generations, ensuring everyone feels included and valued in the church. 1. Group Conversations Mix young and older members into small groups to talk about faith, worship, and life challenges. 2. Skill Swaps Younger members teach technology, like using social media or smartphones. Older members share life lessons, spiritual advice, or church traditions. 3. Worship Teamwork Teams of different generations plan Sabbath programs together. Blend modern and traditional ideas for a meaningful worship experience. 4. Community Service Projects Work together on activities like feeding programs, clean-ups, or outreach events. Build connections while serving others. 5. Reflection Time End each session by sharing what everyone learned or enjoyed. Use the feedback to improve future gatherings. Lessons: Helps people understand each other better. Builds friendships across generations. Creates a more united and welcoming church family. Makes everyone feel they belong, no matter their age or background. No

Honestly I discipled myself because no one discipled me. I have to grapple to know God for myself and His love because adventist prevailing culture is mechanical and program centered. Just filling the Sabbath Hours with programs and not really rquipping young people to know God and have a personal relationship with Him. No one showed me before what a personal relationship with Jesus looks like and even How to pray. Praise God for His mercy He lead me to know him through reading the Spirit of Prophecy, hearing Pastor Pavel Goia, attending PYC and finally having friends who seek Jesus too. How I wish someone discipled me. Just because I grew up in an adventist home and studied in an adventist school did not equip me yo have a relationship with Jesus. Adventism became a structure of programs and activities instead of discipling and relationship based. The lack of united prayer in churches. The adventist culture of labeling people. The false bearing witness of many even pastor unfortunately. Labelling people as liberal or conservative or offshoots before actually knowing them and knowing there journey. I personally have known people who were accused as liberal, conservative and shoots but when I come to know them they were not. They were just growing in their relationship with Jesus. This hasty labeling of people must stop. The church also must get out of our adventist bubble. Let young people go out and minister to the community literally not jsut during crusades but making service to the Community a lifestyle. United Prayer Community Work Sexuality Singleness How to have a Devotional Life How to Prayer (most don't know how to pray) that's what i learned when I was starting to pray and still learning now. Pastor Pavel Goia and Pastor Ron Closet has wonderful insights on these. Small group potlucks Small group Discussions with openness on any topics. To let young people discuss even uncomfortable topics without judgement and without labelling. Young people think so let them ask questions that's how we grow. Please don't label them if they as questions. Leaders should learn to listen without judgement and not easily label people. Make it personal and not program centered. Disciple them instead ofnjust having programs. No No No United Prayer Community Work Sexuality Singleness How to have a Devotional Life How to Prayer (most don't know how to pray) that's what i learned when I was starting to pray and still learning now. Pastor Pavel Goia and Pastor Ron Closet has wonderful insights on these. Small group potlucks Small group Discussions with openness on any topics. LGBTQ Prayer Discipling To let young people discuss even uncomfortable topics without judgement and without labelling. Young people think so let them ask questions that's how we grow. Please don't label them if they as questions. No

I didn't practice daily bible readings as I wanted to due to busy schedules. But, I constantly do devotional with someone (through online worship) or even alone reading daily devotional book (in the morning and lesson study in the evening. Help us be part in any Evangelistic Program or any church program/s that will keep us active in the church rather than in the activities outside of the church. Health and wellness program, community service and Evangelistic Programs. Yes Yes Yes Topics on habits that has an impact to health, how to avoid bad habits like staying long hours in social media, financial management, stewardship, family relationship and proper courtship and marriage. Somewhat

- Very busy schedule even on Sabbaths (handling church programs) - Saturday AY becomes the time for physical rest (catching up on sleep) - Burn out even in church because AYP members are given the bulk of responsibilities to handle the church programs - difficulty relating to the youth (pre-college, college-aged youth), as well as other professionals who have already started their own families (busy na sa own families nila) - Mentorship programs - Legal/professional resources for those struggling with their careers (ex: Sabbath concerns, harassment in the workplace) - avenues to connect my professional expertise to ministry (ex: medical missions) AY program: giving emphasis to interpersonal relationships during AY through group sharing, discussions. Somewhat No Somewhat - outreach related to field of expertise - mentoring programs (new professionals to be mentored by more senior professionals in the same field) - workshops for upgrading financial and interpersonal skills to improve career prospects - more spiritual/social gatherings among peers Somewhat

The main challenge is, i had no friends at church. I am picky at making friends, I usually make friends when i vibe with them. But i can’t seem to find someone that i can relate to at church. I think church goers will be more compelled to attend when programs will be shorter. Not shorter that will lack the main purpose of going to church, but shorter in a sense that time will be utilize only for things that TRULY matters. Make AY programs more focused on things that truly matters. To give more time for us to REST on the sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of rest, a time to pause and reconnect, not a task to complete or a burden to carry. Let us honor it with peace, not pressure, and embrace its purpose with joy, not obligation. Somewhat No Somewhat How to overcome life’s current challenges as a young professional. I love a proper way of discussion, small group discussions or a support group type of community. Where there is no judgement, where people can open up with their problems so we can support each other. Somewhat

There are so little opportunities for young professionals to convene in friendly church-related and age-group-related meetings Having a community of bible-study group of the same age-group Consider relevant activities for the youth. Relevant to the present needs. Church members also need to be more open, welcoming, and nurturing. Improve digitization of church programs, activites, etc. Consider other activities that encourage friendship, and sense of community Somewhat Somewhat No Regular bible-study group or young people’s collective activities that enhance more friendships to other people from other religions. No

I don’t have like-minded circle of friends or a spiritual support group. Probably by meeting the things mentioned above… Do things that are beyond the norms of traditional church programs. Somewhat No Somewhat Weekly spiritual support group meetings, programs that foster personality and professional development, and activities that promote reaching-out to non-SDA collegues or friends… Somewhat

I'll take this opportunity to express and ask for help: My role as a leader greatly challenges me. Balancing responsibilities at work, as a student, and as a youth leader has been overwhelming. Now in my third year as a youth leader of a big church, I’ve been experiencing burnout. Only a few young adults are actively involved, it’s so few I can count them on one hand. One by one, our youth are becoming inactive. There are few attendees in our Youth Sabbath School and Adventist Youth (AY) programs. Yet, when it comes to social gatherings, they are so active. What’s more frustrating is that they rarely attend the AY program, but they come to rehearsals after AY. They are very active in our choir, and I pray for them to develop the same enthusiasm for attending worship services as they have for our regular rehearsals. Another concern is the evident division within the youth. Although we’ve had established groups of friends for years, in recent months, this "division" has become more noticeable. I pray for unity among everyone, for there to be no competition or barriers between us. In terms of AY topics, I’ve tried to ensure that we discuss relevant subjects that resonate with us as youth. However, if you can suggest other ways or strategies to encourage them to attend church regularly, I would greatly appreciate your help. This situation has left me feeling lost, and it’s starting to affect my spiritual life. I don’t know what to do anymore, but I continue to pray for wisdom, guidance, and strength as a leader. Support without too much restrictions or technicalities. Budget for activities is very much needed in AYM. Message for leaders experiencing burnout. Yes Yes Yes Hmm, I can’t think of anything at the moment. As a youth leader, I make sure to include relevant topics covering different aspects of life in our AY program. However, if you have any suggestions, that would be greatly appreciated. Yes

I have this habit of mine whe I was in college in SPAC that my group of friends (Theologians) would have a little program in our boarding house and then discuss current theological issues in the church, then through the bible, pen of inspiration we discussed it together. But when I have graduated and work. I have missed that and I struggle to go back to my church in my town because I crave that sense of belongingness together with my group discussing avout Jesus, theology and etc. Try to level up in the programs syited for our level, any programs that can cater us. None. No Somewhat Somewhat Create some programs that are suited for our level, like seminars for the young professionals especially life advices in order to practically help us balance Faith, work and etc. Somewhat

For me, the messages in our church are too focused on the Second Coming, and it sometimes scares me. It gives me anxiety and makes me panic, so when the message is about this topic, I avoid listening to prevent feeling anxious. Sometimes, I wonder if my lack of devotion to God is the reason why my plans keep failing. I question whether I made the right choices, thinking that perhaps the outcome would have been different if I had chosen the opposite path. There are moments when I even find myself wondering if doing the wrong thing would have led to success. Make the AY department more active by introducing a variety of engaging activities. Avoid focusing too much on giving sermons or turning every session into a sermon. Instead, provide practical guidance and training on how to effectively handle and lead a program. This will encourage participation, creativity, and enthusiasm among the youth. Provide a well-structured seminar to encourage youth engagement in the church. The seminar should offer practical strategies for getting involved, building confidence, and discovering personal talents for ministry. Additionally, create a tailored guide specifically designed for shy or introverted individuals, focusing on steps to help them feel comfortable, valued, and included. Emphasize creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can contribute meaningfully, regardless of their personality type. Somewhat No No Mental Health Awareness Balancing Faith and Career Peer Pressure and Decision-Making Healthy Relationships Social Media and Digital Well-being Environmental Stewardship Community Service and Outreach Handling Failure and Disappointments . Character Development Somewhat

Very few people of my age I can deal with. I wanted to have group of friends of my age and of the same faith but they're all busy. I am the president of AdHealthProf but I hardly have a time to quorom them More activities solely for SYL Activities that creates belongingness Somewhat No Somewhat Marriage Financial Management Ministry at work No

Despite the deficiencies in the church, I still believe that as Adventists we must not rely our faith on others apart from God, not even on the church itself. It depends on how we take circumstances. regardless of the current state of our AY Programs today, by God's grace, I strive to stand firm in faith. I am constantly striving to hear Him, His guidance, His promises and His will. The AMICUS Family helped me a lot. I don't know how exactly. I guess I am inspired if I go out and visit churches, and have fellowship with other members in other churches. Friendship and Unity it is. Encouraging us to contribute to Evangelism because this is the only purpose why God put us here on Earth. No No Yes As what I observe today, people are becoming more and more heinous. I hope that not just the professionals but every Adventist member would take the call seriously. I just understood yesterday of how great our mission is in spreading the gospel. The harvest is indeed plentiful but the laborers are so few. I foresee that we need to conduct seminars or sermons focusing on "answering the call" or "evangelism". This, I understood is the purpose why we are here. I hope soon, I can finally answer His call too. Somewhat

Most of my young professional adventist friends are getting out from the church because they were already busy working. Programs and activities The mission or conferences should established a unit or division or appoint a person or pastor that will help our young professional facing in their work on Sabbath problem. There are young professionals are being forced to work during Sabbath because the church has a very limited support. Yes Yes Yes The church should extend, enhance and offer more program and activities during AY Program like visitation and community service. Yes

time management and Sabbath duties as of this time conduct spiritual retreats; prayer sessions for each other; form care groups; distribute parts and task to involve everyone practical applications could be of help; variations in church program, invitation of resource persons, and follow up of evaluation for practical applications (i.e friendship ministry follow-up) Somewhat Somewhat Yes Friendship ministry; Relationship enhancement; Love and Courtship; Somewhat

It lacks sincerity and focus on spiritual needs. They nurture other things. The church focuses on baptism over nurturing the current members and new ones Work, personal life balance, and peers Mentorship maybe Yes Somewhat No Engagement. Community outreach. Leadership skills. Financial independence. Somewhat

In my opinion, the challenging part of a Christian life is to be a salt-like Christian. Being a salt, being different to your co-workers is a challenging part in my spiritual life. Seems like the situation of being surrounded by different denomination is somehow challenging, but you can't even realise that you're being influenced. Encouragement and inspiration In my opinion, since the influence of today's youth are on social media. Or even at the workplaces, the co-workers attitude and traits will always influenced the young adventist professionals, a simple bible sharing/ online bible study. A simple reminder to be a different to other, will make differences Yes Somewhat Yes Spiritual bonding, Group bible study/ Group bible sharing No

The church members are sometimes reluctant to change especially the old ones. This may happen sometimes but there are still few members that are very supportive. If nobody initiates, then i will. If somebody will initiate and there at least two people who'll believe and support you, i believe the church's support will follow afterwards. Best we can do? Pray for wisdom to initiate and courage to stand and take part. As a young professional and one of the "ates" in the church, one best way for that is to put in mind that AY Program is not only intended for youth alone. That afternoon is not only for them but for all. I do not see myself as separate form the youth.. I support, anf participate. In that way, i will not turn into lukewarm water. Talk and ask help for young professionals for ideas in ways we can help improve our program iand activities nside and outside the church. As you lead tha AY Program, do not equalize your younger minds to a bit older. Meaning, create program that will make all members participate-sharing, answering, lecturing, etc. I usee to ask debatable questions both doctrine and personal. I tell you, it was mind-blowing. We thought that we know all the doctrines already.. We thought we're being spiritual but actually legalistic.. That's why, let's pray to God for wisdom. And have a dynamic relationship with youth and older ones. Somewhat Somewhat Somewhat In my case, i really try my best to integrate in the AY program activities that can relate all ages. We no longer sing action songs. I collaborate with women's organization, health department. Like for example, we had our health lectures that we used during the VOY two years ago. We finished all of those last years tapping other members to hold the lecture. For tjis year, i am planning to have a cooking tips or cooking demo and healthy juices for this nutrition month. I believe that if young professionals and youth will collaborate in the Sabbath afternoon, the program and service will improve. Last December, we had our grandparents appreciation day. All ages participated.. We had our motif for dress, "1980's*. I think the church can also go with the monthly celebration in the government. This February we will talk about the different types, form, expressions and languages of love. If it's mental health month, fire prevention, father's/mother's day, nutrition month, i suggest that we will integrate this to our program. The young professionals and the older ones will be the Lecturers. I also create questions tht i may use for group dynamics. This includes sharings per group, testimonies. Mostly, members get emotional, appreciating the presence of all members. Somewhat

Pag ma bored ko mu gwas ko, then I am guilty kay Diba dili pwd mu lakaw pag dili pa sunset. Dili na ko ganahan mg stay. 1. Building a relationship within the community. 2. 1. Program flow 2. Topics na pwd ma include sa A.Y. 3. Time No No Somewhat 1. Balancing work life and spirituality 2. No

We'll, challenges is always there but as a christian we flourish and not just thriving in our life. just by providing platform and such as what NCMC have done it ignites other professional to be involved and engage into the initiatives lead by the NCMC core group We want to have a voice, but AY is not about Young Professionals all alone, we have programs to level off to cater different age groups and other things to consider. Somewhat Somewhat Somewhat To be involved in the ministry to have a platform where professionals can level off and share their views Somewhat

Greater time spent in Reading the Word of God, listening to lesson study review videos and learning more on spiritual developments through Spirit of Prophecy books Our Adventist Church already support our spiritual, professional and personal growth. The church must support the programs, activities, and plans that will benefit everyone. The church must create programs, activities, topics that are relevant to the needs of the young professionals and the youth as well. The Adventist church must allocate budget for all relevant programs and activities that will help the endeavors succeed. In my own opinion, AY activities and programs must be substantial and can make a difference to the young professionals and the youth as well. We need to irradicate games and activities that are for enjoyment or for fun only. Somewhat Somewhat Yes 1. New generational activities, topics and programs that will cater the young professional attending in Adventist church. 2. Work-Life-Spiritual Balance 3. Community and Social Support 4. Personal and Spiritual Growth 5. Digital and Technological Engagement 6. Financial Stewardship 7. Advocacy and Social Responsibility 8. Life Transitions and Planning 9. Family Life Programs 10. Career Development and Mentorship Somewhat

As a young professional I've face different challenges in life such as; Self doubt, financial, and time management. But, despite those challenges I learned to be strong together with my spiritual and faithing to God. Social events and gathering Yes Yes Yes Bible study and small group Prayer and reflection Spiritual mentorship Yes

Programs are not productive are like more on judging, rebuking, And critisizing using ELLEN WHITE WRITINGS. Laziness, And Programs in church are NO Longer inclusive. New programs, engaging topics, inspirational speakers, avoid extremism or reform movemt as it destroys relationship, do away with ultra conservative ways in programs adopt liberal type of programing. BAN ALL CONSERVATIVE AND EXTREME: /REFORM/FANATIC SPEAKERS OR PROGRAMS. Be liberal but not compromising, Be engaging And not boring No No No Livelyhood, parenting, mental health, outdoors, socio civic activities, social media, Care group, modern Christian music No

Lack of social group that thirst and hunger for righteousness. I think it is best if we are surrounded with people who loves and desires to be like Jesus. Not the ones who chase after the world. Sadly, I don't have that environment outside church. I have a weak spirit and I easily get influenced by others. At the end of the day I am still a perfectly imperfect individual who needs Jesus more and more. It disappointing that I am stuck in life, in terms of contributing to the mission to lead souls to Jesus' feet. Please pray for me. By making programs that will actively involve the church in spiritual revival personally and soul-winning. I think, we need unity in Christ. We are supposed to be one yet we are so divided. In my point of view, members from other SDA churches are strangers. There's no close ties and brotherly love, specially if you are from a poor church, poor in number, in influence and in finances. The truth is, our small church feels alienated from other churches. No Yes Yes 1. Mental Health 2. Trainings to be Missionaries (local programs - because national and international programs are not accessible by everyone 3.Music Lesson every Sabbath afternoon 4. Train the church to develop and initiate income generating projects to support the missions (locally and internationally) 5. Character Development Lectures or Seminars that are inspired by the character of Jesus Somewhat

Social media technology where you can find anything as detrimental to the health and moral virtues. Community Outreach and Bible study classes Community Outreach and Bible study classes Somewhat Somewhat Yes Bible studies classes. Addressing how to communicate to people with problems and struggling with homosexuality crisis. Somewhat

N/A I’m happy with what I have and with the church programs. Spiritually, the church meets my needs. Professionally, I keep my faith in my work, applying the principles the church teaches, but I don’t introduce or share details of my professional life with the church. When it comes to the Sabbath or church service, I prefer to remain a private and reserved person. For personal growth, I pray with others and join activities like the 777 prayers to draw closer to God. I don’t believe in separating by age, profession, or social status. If the goal is to create separate programs for young professionals, I don’t see the point. I have nothing more to add. In my opinion, the research instrument you used is not effective in addressing the main issue here. The problem is not with young professionals; rather, it lies in their personal relationship with God and how they engage in fellowship with other believers. There is nothing wrong with the AY program itself; we are a diverse church. Do you need proof that the program is not working based on your perspective? How would you suggest we run the program? Instead of conducting a vague survey, it would be more constructive to present a proposal, especially since you are leading from the backend. All of the church programs remain relevant. We gather to worship, not to network or compare professions during each service. Yes Yes Yes N/A Yes