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What young adults “want” in a church
Lifeway Christian Research (Southern Baptist) recently concluded a study about why young adults are leaving the church today. In a summary article over at churchrelevance.com, they bring out the four things, according to Jim Johnston of Lifeway, that young adults want in a church:
- Relationship
- Biblical Community
- Social Action
- Genuine Church
While I would normally say that what our Americanized, self-seeking culture “wants” in a church and what church should be are two different things, I was struck by the results of the survey. Perhaps today’s young adults want more of the essence of humble Christianity than the blatant event orientation of past generations.
Follow up on the articles above and let me know what you think about their conclusions.
Well, what-do-you-know? Finally somebody listened to me! I’ve been screaming this stuff for at least 3 years! The greatest gap in today’s church is 18-35 year olds! It’s as though churches don’t want them after they graduate high school until they are married! This is truly a slap in the face to todays church. THANK GOD! Maybe this type of information from these types of sources will wake some people up! I truly believe that if churches want to grow and be successful in the 21st Century, this is the age group that MUST be targeted! Thanks for sharing these… Read more »
I believe there are seven longings of the heart that are God given. These are the things that people long for at the heart level in their families, relationships, work, school and . . .”Church”. . Longing #1: The longing for assurance of being enjoyed by God and then by our families and friends. We long for the knowledge that God loves us, and enjoys us (likes us) even though we are weak and imperfect. We long for this from our friends, family and church as well. . Longing #2: There is a craving in every human spirit to be… Read more »
All of those entries hit the nail on the head!!!!!I am in that age category,as is my husband.We do not attend church,we have,but have not found a church home yet.When we discuss a church family, these are some of the reasons we discuss,not necessarily ordered like that,but they are of much importance to us.I will refrain from voicing my own personal opinions on the subject,but nonetheless,we are still searching in a hit and miss fashion….and one day we will find a home.
Jerry, this was a profound entry, and I really appreciate the time you took to sort it out.
I understand what you’re saying about how all humanity longs for what only God can fill. St. Augustine said that our hearts can only find rest in Him.
However, this longing is mostly unrealized and unfulfilled in most people.
It takes humble, consistent, creative, and at times prophetic communication to match people’s innermost desires with truth.
Amen.
i couldnt agree more with the conclusions drawn in these articles. ow churches can be so arrogant as to ignore this demographic is beyond me, and they do it at their own peril. these conclusions, taken along with the findings of some recent barna surveys, would indicate that churches are slow at best, and deny the need at worst, to do what it takes to reach young adults. a large number of what barna refers to as revolutionaries are finding it more expedient to go it alone, rather than do ministry under the auspices of a local church because many… Read more »
One of the things that I vehemently disagree with is some of Barna’s intimations that believers can do without the “church.” I know what he and others mean by that, but others do not, many of them using his and other’s writings as an excuse to not be a part of a community of believers. They use the worn-out and tired mantra of “As long as me adn my family are loving God, we don’t need the church.” It’s not the “church” that is ultimately their problem but the body of Christ. It’s obvious that there are few churches (and… Read more »