The Millennial Generation

The millennial generation will change the church. This generation was born between 1980 and 2000. It numbers more than 78 million people in the United States, making it larger than the Baby Boomers Generation of the 1946-1964 post WWII era. The shear number of the millennials tells us that this is a generation to be reckoned with, and a quick internet search will reveal many studies by a wide range of groups to see how this generation will affect everything from the U.S. military to the church. This generation is the most studied and the most educated generation in our nation.

Millennials were shaped by the 1992 Los Angeles riots and the terrorist attack on our nation on September 11, 2001. They understand that life is unpredictable and can end at any age. They place value in family, have great respect for older adults, and want their lives to make a difference in the world. This generation demands the church be missional, caring for others with a hands on approach. This generation will not be content to give money for someone else to go. They are looking for churches that are actively involved in the lives and needs of both their communities and the world.

This generation can spot a fake. They want the church to be real, which is frightening to many older Christians. Whereas my parent’s generation fought through racism in this country and my generation pushed for equality and diversity and are very conscious of it, the millennials do not see race at all. Twenty percent of millennial marriages are inter-racial. Simply put, millennials do not see skin color, and they are looking for churches that “do not see” skin color, tattoos, body piercing, etc. They are looking for churches that genuinely love all people as Jesus loves.

This millennial generation wants to make the world better, to have a positive influence, to make the world a better place for others. They are well educated and technologically savvy. They are never without their mobile phones, as mobile devices place the world at their fingertips. Even with a phone in their hand, this generation prefers texting more than talking. This generation wants quality technology in the church to aid in worship and Bible Study. Do not tell this generation to turn off their phones or refrain from texting in worship. That is like shouting to them, “Get out! You are not welcome here!”

This generation is largely unchurched. They see the church as divisive, conflict-ridden, and irrelevant. Of those who are evangelical Christians, you will often find a tremendous passion for Christ, but a hatred of the traditional church. If asked, millennials will talk of the hypocrisy in the church, the fake friendliness and the phony righteousness. They want people to be real, and remember that I have already said they can quickly and easily spot “fake” Christians.

This generation will change the world and are already doing so. They are leaving traditional places of worship in droves leading to a rapid decline and death of many traditional churches, some 8,000 – 10,000 this year. The millennials that remain in church usually migrate to rapid growing churches that understand them and that often stretch the Baby Boomer’s understanding of contemporary. They gather in places of worship commonly painted black, smokers and swirling lights electrify the crowds as praise bands and worship teams lead in songs of praise. Pastors of these churches often do not even own a suit, and preaching attire consists of blue jeans and a tee shirt. This is not the Baby Boomers contemporary worship service.

You really need to understand this generation. They are going to change the world. The Millennials: Connecting to America’s Largest Generation written by Thom S. Rainer and Jesse Rainer is the best book I know on the subject. It was written to aid and assist churches in understanding what motivates this generation in order that the church might win America’s largest generation to Jesus Christ. I pray you will help reach the millennial generation and help them understand how to have abundant life through Jesus Christ!

What is it that attracts people to a church and does your church have it?

Why do some churches grow while others wither and die? What is it that attracts people to a church and does your church have it? How can you gauge your church and its ability to grow?

First, growing churches have a great spirit. Attendees consider the spirit and quality of the worship, Bible Study, and fellowship vastly more important than its building. People seem excited to come together to study and worship, and they seem genuinely concerned about other people. These churches accept you for who and what you are right now. The idea to “go and clean up your life” and then come to church is foreign to them. These churches do not really care about how sinful you are or how many scars you have. Guests must clearly feel that the church likes them and feel comfortable with the people they worship and study with while in the church. People making up these congregations know and understand that Jesus died for every person and every sin, and Jesus alone can cleanse and make clean. If your church is not like this, not only are you not a healthy church, but your church is like a melon on a hot July summer day withering on the vine. Unless the Lord sends a Holy Spirit breeze and a heavenly shower of grace, the church will die.

Second, worship is vibrant! The music speaks to the heart and mind of the worshipers and is high quality. All attendees worship as equals and staff works to remove all barriers that divide members from guest. The music creates an excitement in the service and moves the worshipers into the presence of God. Even the reluctant worshiper finds himself drawn into the praise and exaltation of our Creator.

Third, the preaching must be biblical, relevant, and understandable. The sermon must equally speak to the custodian and the CEO, the saved and the lost, the righteous and the unrighteous. The message must be applicable to people’s lives. Worshipers must feel comfortable with those around them; no condemnation. The Lord does not see the tattoos, piercings, or dress – He looks straight into the heart and mind.

Fourth, there must be good programs for families. These programs must provide choices in programming and scheduling for all ages. One church I consulted with started a second Sunday morning worship at 8:30 in the same style as the later 10:45 service and saw overall attendance go up thirty percent. Today’s adults and youth demand quality programs that are age appropriate and relevant to life.

Lastly, growing churches have well maintained facilities with amble well-paved parking and ease of access. I worship in many different churches of various denominations, and enjoy showing up unannounced when no one is expecting me. Unbelievably, I have even found the main doors to the sanctuary locked ten-minutes before service is to start, a quick turn-off for worshippers.

I cannot underestimate the first three reasons churches grow. Too many churches reverse the order and prioritize the facilities. While today’s adults and youth want a nice place to study the Bible and to worship, do not underestimate the importance of a great spirit, vibrant worship, and preaching that is biblical, relevant, and understandable. Without the first three reasons, the last two really do not matter.