This sums it up

Alternative Worship's web site lists a good summary of what I believe most young adults are seeking in the church and worship.

For clarification purposes: Ethos:
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek Ethos custom, character -- the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution

Here is that list:

Ethos-

- authenticity - faith expression that truly represents the people who make and take part in it

- faith as journey, to be facilitated rather than controlled giving people space for their own encounter with God

- an exploration of creativity - in everyone, not just a gifted few

- risk-taking, experimental - openness to failure and mistakes

- holistic - life not divided into sacred and secular

- any part of our lives and abilities as potential material for faith expression

- participation - involvement encouraged, passive consumption discouraged

- minimal exclusion - shaped by whoever gets involved

- consensus - not one person imposing their direction

- low threshold of permission - in general if you want to do something go ahead

- high quality, as good as we can make it - culturally aware

- awareness of ourselves as part of God's creation, and a concern for its welfare

- the entire expression of the faith community seen as 'church' not just one event

- reluctance to draw boundaries that determine who or what is in or out of God's kingdom

- openness to God's presence in any area of life or culture