In spite of the great number of churches that exist in Northeast Allen County, the number of people compared to the population who attend any church is very low. Faith Journey will be a ministry designed to specifically connect with the emerging generation who are both under-reached and under-served by current local church ministries in the Fort Wayne area.

Statistics tell us that 65% of the Builders (people born before 1946) and 35% of the Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) have been reached for Christ. Compare this to 15% of Busters (people born between 1965 and 1976) and only an estimated 4% of the Bridgers (people born between 1977 and 1994) who are being impacted by the local church. Why so drastic a decline? Based on our research we believe the decline is largely due to a fundamental shift within our society. This shift has been identified as the movement from a modern worldview to a postmodern worldview. Among other differences, those who are "postmodern" in our society have values and beliefs which make reaching them with the gospel quite challenging.

Our emerging generation is growing up in a postmodern world. And many in large numbers are now staying away from church. This is both perplexing and challenging to the leadership of many churches. How will local churches address such a huge chasm between those with a postmodern orientation and others who have remained ommitted to and convinced by the absolute truths of God's Word? It seems like the time is now to launch a church on a mission right in the midst of Fort Wayne . . . a mission that will reach out to those who have left the church and many who will never darken the church's door. We must follow the Lord's command for "a new wineskin" which can bring the gospel to those thirsting and searching in the fog of postmodernism.

Faith Journey will be a church committed to reaching these emerging generations. Our target will be those with a postmodern worldview who are not currently drawn to the church. Because of this target, our approach and style and methods will be different while protecting the sacred ground of Scripture and worship and discipleship to Jesus. There is a tremendous need for us to launch this kind of church that will target the un-reached among emerging generations and also claim the hearts of those who feel that the church has nothing to offer.

Within this ministry we hope to see people intellectually challenged at a level which they can respect and engage in conversation. We hope that the creativity in the worship gatherings will speak to the musician and artistic community of Fort Wayne. We hope to see those who have been disillusioned with their past church experience be drawn back to this style of ministry. We hope to see young families who resonate with this style and approach to ministry be attracted to this type of Christian community. We hope that younger emerging generations who are getting their first exposure to Christianity be drawn to Jesus by being part of this community of faith. We also hope that those who feel they could never "fit in" to most churches, be drawn to the distinctive culture and heart of Faith Journey, and call this community of faith their home.