While church attendance in the United States is at an all-time low, one demographic has seen a stark increase. Although Millennials are attending church more than in the past (there was a stark 35 percent increase in 2022 more than any other demographic;) how can we get them to stay? Barna, "the leading research organization focused on the intersection of faith and culture, states that Millennials. are the most racially diverse generation and make up most of the workforce.
"Legacy is not what I did for myself. It's what I'm doing for the next generation." ~Vitor Belfort
The question becomes: Why? Why are millennials leaving the church? And, how can we keep them when they return?
The American Enterprise Institute offers a sneak peek into why millennials are disenchanted with going to church. For starters, there are huge generational differences in religious upbringing. While most Americans are raised with a religious background (only 12 percent are raised outside of some sort of religion), there has been a significant decrease across generations of religious upbringings. "Young adults (age 18 to 29) are far more likely to have been raised without religion than are seniors (age 65 or older)," says Cox, O'neil and Clemence.
Another important note is that "younger Americans have had less robust religious experiences during their childhood the previous generations have. This meaning, that church for young adults has mostly been causal. A few services here and there, no one in the family serving within the church and most importantly, fewer opportunities for real encounters with God.
Furthermore, both generations were equally likely not to to read the scriptures or pray with their families (roughly 26 to 30 percent.) Couple all of these dismal statistics with rising divorce rates, broken homes and less of an emphasis of church in culture; it is no wonder that millennials were leaving the church at such a high rate.
The answer is not lack of relevance, or more consumerism; statistics shows that it starts in the home before it ever gets to church. The reason why less millennials or people in general are leaving the church is lack of authentic God-encounters whether that happens in the church or at home. Without God, church is just a religious organization bent on rules. With God, it is a lifestyle.
So once the millennials return, the question is: How do we get them to stay? Here are a few suggestions:
Forgiveness
Often when people come back to church, they have testimonies. Most, because the world is cruel and sin is a horrible taskmaster, can be rough. Whether it is crime, sexual deviations or promiscuities, or even just really tough questions about God; it is important that the church loves as Jesus and welcomes them with open arms. No need to harp on the past but rather, embrace their future walking with Jesus. Remember Jesus can make all things new, no matter the tangled mess some may find themselves in.
2. Patience
When people come back they may be rough around the edges. Perhaps they are not dressed as modestly as Word would prefer, or maybe a curse word flies out during a church function; although we are called to help each other in our walks, the church must be patient with progress as God is patient with. us.
3. Real Teaching
This can be taken and applied in two ways. For one, millennials have often complained that the church is irrelevant to their lives. Teaching about real topics that are often seen as taboo will help resonate with the millennial congregates. Sex, although more likely takes about in non-denominational churches, is often a topic skipped over in pulpits or "just saved for the married people in the room." Millennials (really everyone) is entrenched in an ever perverse culture that is constantly talking about sex. If the church does not disciple in this area, the world will.
Another way this can be taught is going more in-depth in the scriptures. For millennials who grew up in church; a lot of them have heard the same messages over and over again with little to know depth or new revelation. It is important now more than ever that churches dig deep and teach deeper things. Millennials are hungry to learn and the status quo sermons will not cut it.
4. More Community Opportunities
This can be both outreach or opportunities for church members to grow together. Millennials and Gen Z value deep, personal and authentic relationships more than other generations. This is probably due to the lack thereof due to technology. Having time for millennials to grow with other millennials and members in the church will keep them around. Life is easier when one has friends around to keep them rooted in the faith.
5. Steward Encounters
The house of the Lord should be a place where the Lord feels welcome to come in and encounter his people. If the church does not welcome the presence of the Lord (the Holy Spirit) the church becomes stale, religious and people leave. Regardless of how great the coffee is, how nice the children's program is or how convenient the message is, without God encounters, passion of the Lord fades.
6. Teach About the Value of Homelife
As stated earlier, it is important that one's flock practices the teachings of Jesus in the home. It is imperative to the believer to read the Bible daily and pray daily in order to be spiritually healthy. This also ensures that the next generation has more of a solid base than previous generations.
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