Rev. Shawn Gray • Associate Pastor of Christian Education

Over the years of working at churches, I have been seen as the elusive young adult and have been asked to speak on behalf of all young adults. When I have interviewed for various positions in churches, there is one question that always comes up. This question even came up when I was being examined on the floor of Presbytery during my ordination. I was asked, “What can we do to get young adults to come to church?” At Presbytery I prefaced my answer with, “I don’t believe I should speak on behalf of all Millennials” but then I said, “There is no silver bullet.” I encouraged churches to ponder “Why do you want them here?” If pushed, I would explain that service and passion are often what drives young adult engagement.  

The original understanding of church engagement has been:

1. Visit a worship service
2. Start attending regularly
3. Become a member
4. Serve on a committee
5. Engage in service.  

With millennials and younger generations, this pattern flips upside down. Young people begin participating with service projects that align with their values and passion. Service comes first. Then through relationships, they may begin to come to the worship service, or will be happy to share about the service project they are engaging in with the church in an effort to garner support. Membership may or may not ever happen, but if it does, it’s the last thing.

Pew Research shows that 18-39 year olds attend church less than their 40+ counterparts. Only 28% of 18-39 year olds attend church regularly, whereas 40% of 40+  year olds attend church regularly I have found younger generations do not like to sign the attendance book on Sundays, are not interested in membership, and may attend on a semi-regular basis but have a strong resistance to committing to join the organization. The response from faithful church members is often, “They should come.” I believe our task as the church is to examine how we, as a church body, exemplify the values and passions that matter to these younger generations. Instead of asking them to conform to what the church is, how can the church participate in missional opportunities that parallel what these generations care about? Is there anything that turns these young people away from the church?  

This is the meaningful and challenging work of engaging with young generations. Simply existing is not enough to persuade these younger folk to attend church. We need to listen to how they see the church, then offer to partner with them in the ways that both support the church’s mission and the passion of these generations.