I'm barely in this category and totally not who the report is talking about, but I know a lot of people who are. They don't go to church, but many of them note that they once went to church. Many also say they believe in God - to some extent.
Tonight, I don't have many answers or other thoughts - just questions. I had coffee with another young adult this week and we shared many of questions about how the specific church I serve can be a community of and for young adults, a community in which young adults (as well as other generations) can explore their faith, worship, grow in the knowledge and love of God, and serve others. In short, we talked about how young adults can find in church a place of connection: connection to God, to others, to a greater meaning and purpose in life.
The article is a good starting point for understanding who we're talking about, but it doesn't go very far. However, I do like the implications it mentions regarding the Pew report:
IMPLICATION: The Millennials walking into your church are less likely to be familiar with Christianity and its norms. Periodically take the time to explain all the things that lifelong churchgoers take for granted. Why we have an offering, why the singing usually goes before the talk, why the singing is called “worship” and why the talk is called a “message.” The Christian phrases that sound trite to you may be brand new to much of your Millennial audience.
The group to watch is the “Religious Unaffiliated.” These are Millennials who believe faith is important and are even fans of religion (saying that it’s “somewhat” or “very” important in their lives). They comprise nearly one out of ten Millennials, but don’t have a church home. They’re likely to be filtering through your church, checking things out, and looking for a reason to plug in.
What’s your value proposition to that Religious Unaffiliated Millennial? Why should they hang around your church?
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