Iconowatch, the e-newsletter of IconoCulture, a consumer research service, noted this observation, possibly a new trend, among millennials frequenting a venue called The Bridge in Joplin, Missouri.
The Bridge is described as the world's largest Christian entertainment complex for teens, "a massive entertainment complex for teenagers that includes a state-of-the-art concert hall, gymnasiums, a skatepark and an Internet café." The article goes on to describe how "the complex aims to be a one-stop, all-day rec center built on nondenominational Christian values." Iconoculture thinks that what this means is that "Christians increasingly are demanding mainstream recreation and popular culture that reflects their values." and "Urban ministries are emerging that reach out to youth through rock 'n' roll, skating culture and other activities for healthy heart, mind and soul."
The Bridge website describes its purpose as:
The Bridge is equal parts ministry and attraction. On the one hand, we are striving to be the new Main Street. The place where you go to be with your friends. A lidless environment where you can live and be and grow and meet and shine. On the other hand, The Bridge is a ministry where the exchange of ideas is not limited to acceptable social subjects, but includes subjects (like faith and politics) which have been too taboo to mention in other years or settings. Behind the scenes, staff members and volunteers are listening, connecting, loving, sharing, and sacrificing to bring the hope of Christ to everyone through actions, attitude, and words.
This concept is also known as the Third Place, and Leadership Network recently released an article called "Third Place Goes to Church".
The Bridge sounds like such a fun place to hang out! I wish I had a place like this when I was a teenager. For those of you who have teenagers in your family, what would they think of a place like this?
Do you have this kind of a creative ministry destination in your area? Do you know of churches that are serving their community with openly available recreation and entertainment? Add a comment below, we'd love to hear about it!
-- DJ Chuang, Leadership Community Director @ Leadership Network
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