Tag Archives: Church

The “Millennial Exodus” – Is the Future of the Church at Stake?

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The Pew Research released a new study confirming that Millennials are exiting the church.  If you missed the articles, you can read more HERE and HERE.

I have often heard the expression, “The Church is one generation from extinction” as a reason why youth/children’s ministry is important for the church.

I hate that statement – because it is not true.

The church is not in danger of extinction.  Do not fret over the future of HIS church, but have faith in its Owner and Builder and the One who says, “I will always have remnant unto myself.”  (Romans 11:3-5)  God’s church will stand forever, and even “the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

Abandoned church on Adak Island, Alaska from Flickr via Wylio

© 2015 Paxson Woelber, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

While the future of the church is NOT at stake; however, the future church may look different.

In the Old Testament, God’s people experienced many times of transition.  In Ezra 3, the Jews having been released from Babylonian captivity are working to rebuild the temple.  It was a monumental time of celebration; however, we also read:

Yet many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ households, the old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes. 

Those who had seen the beauty of the first temple were sad because this new temple did not measure up.  The passage describes how that within the crowd – some wept while others rejoiced.

As I read Ezra 3, I ask a few questions.

  • Did the change in the temple’s foundation display God’s abandonment of His people?
  • Did the change in the temple’s foundation reveal that God’s glory was fading?
  • Did the change in the temple’s foundation herald that God’s working would be lessened?

I believe that the answer to all three questions is NO.  So, what was the cause of their tears?

The future of the church is not at stake; however, 

© 2014 Hoshi_sae, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

There will be tears – for those who cling to past forms and formulas of religious institutions.  Those who sit in leadership will weep as they see ‘their power’ slipping away.

Tears will fall for the loss of their “majority”.

Tears will fall for the loss of big church and big budgets.

There are tears for those who live in days gone by still looking for God to move as He did in days past. There will be tears.

Tears will fall for those who can only see what was, and assume that what was is what should be.

God’s Spirit is not confined to the forms and formulas of today’s world.  God’s work is often found outside religious institutions (If in doubt, check the New Testament.).  God’s voice still speaks to those who listen, and has not lost its power.

His spirit is powerful, and working in lives. His breath can shake the mountains. His word can break stone and melt iron. His will can move the hardest of hearts and stir the slumber to action. So may we cling to the power of the word. May we read the word. May we bring his word to those in power.

Lord, may I bring introduce the power of your word to a new generation. And sit back and watch in wonder and amazement as you work in new ways, in new forms, and to a people that You have reserved unto Yourself.

May I not cry at the laying of a new foundation.  May I rejoice.  May I save my tears.  May my hope rest in God alone.

Sola de Gloria.

profil pictureDr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Managing Director of EA Resources, a non-profit that focuses on providing resources to churches and parents who love emerging adults.

Why I Stuck with the Church – The Millennial Exodus

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church (2)The Millennial Exodus is a term that I use to mark articles dealing with the declining rate of Millennials who attend the church in the United States.  EA Resources is committed to provide resources to churches and parents who want to encourage Millennials in their spiritual development.

As part of our mission, we purchase written/video work of Millennials who express their stories about “Why I left the Church” or  “Why I Stuck with the Church.”  If you would like to submit your work for purchase, please contact me gdavid@earesources.org.

Here is the story of a Millennial, and why she has stuck with the church.

I have experienced hypocrisy within the church. It was anything, but fun. In spite of its faults, I have chosen to continue with the church. The church has many areas of improvement to focus on, but I must remember that it is an institution. All institutions are ran by imperfect people are therefore – imperfect. The main reason I stuck with the church lies mostly in my choice to stick with my faith. Although I was supported in my faith by various people throughout my life, I made my faith my own.

I was never forced to go to church. I didn’t grow up with a Christian father, and my mother didn’t truly give her life to Christ until I was in high school. Although surrounded by small group leaders and mentors, my belief in God was never based on anyone else’s faith. It was always mine. However, I know that many other young adults struggle to separate their faith from their parents. They wonder if they would still hold to Christianity if they had been raised in a home that taught a different religion.

My plea to the Church. If you want us to stay… Love us.

As Millennials, we will not be forced into Christianity, or scared there by a fear of hell. These methods do not display Christ’s grace and love. I beg you – connect with us! The Bible teaches that the gathering of Christians is vital for a strong faith. We need to see why you believe in God. We need to see your passion.

Give us a reason to see past the imperfections of the church.

Let us see the heart of the church.

Amanda BabcockI’m Junior at Bethel University studying Environmental Science in hopes of doing Environmental Restoration with missions. I love the outdoors, being Minnesotan, and everything about camp– including flannels, chacos, and sharing the gospel. I have my own blog on wordpress if you want to read more by me– amandanoellebabcockblog.wordpress.com

Millennials move towards Digital News – and they are willing to Pay for it.

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NEW YORK — In a world flush with free information, some young people are still willing to shell out for news they read.

Smartphones from Flickr via Wylio

© 2013 Esther Vargas, Flickr | CC-BY-SA | via Wylio

A recent poll shows that 40 percent of U.S. adults ages 18-34 pay for at least some of the news they read, whether it’s a print newspaper, a digital news app or an e-mail newsletter. Another 13 percent don’t pay themselves but rely on someone else’s subscription, according to the survey by Media Insight Project, a collaboration of the American Press Institute and the Associated Press–NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Older Millennials are more likely than younger ones to personally pay for news.

Here is the full article.

Here are some points to consider:

  • “The proliferation of free news online and new ways for advertisers to reach people has besieged publishers of newspapers and magazines.”
  • “Some popular news sites, particularly newer online-only outlets like Huffington Post and BuzzFeed, remain free to all.”
  • “Millennials have shown that they are willing to engage in content that interests them,” Herndon said (a professor of journalism).

What does this mean for the church?

  • Brand is often more important than price.  Millennials who are willing to pay money for news know how to obtain this same news for free from other sources.  These Millennials are interested in a specific perspective or “brand” of news.
  • Many churches spend resources on their on-line presence without examining the results of that work.  Does your church know who is utilizing your electronic media?  Many churches have gone with current technologies, but the content does interest Millennials (for various reasons).
  • I believe their willingness to pay for digital news is driven by their value of conservation of natural resources and their technology-driven lifestyle.  In the church world, the paper bulletin still reigns, but even its days may be coming to an end.  

Dr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Managing Director of EA Resources.

 

Prerequisite for Intergenerational Ministry

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Recent research was released by the Pew Research Center, displaying “the Millennial Exodus” from the church. I believe that one reason why young adults leave the church is because of Ageism.

© 2007 Florencia&Pe, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

Ageism is prejudice or discrimination based upon age.  “Ageism” was first coined by Robert Neil Butler in 1971, and is displayed through stereotyping various ages and generations, disdain and avoiding contact with different age-groups, and practices that discriminate services based upon age. While the elderly are often the targets of ageism, emerging adults are also victims of its abuse.

Ageism raises it head ever time that jokes are made about a certain demographic within the church.  Ageism smiles when roadblocks keep the young (and old) from leadership and service roles.  Ageism cheers in victory when the “youth” alone are designated for a specific project of the church.  Ageism reigns when generations glare across the aisle at one another rather than standing hand in hand.

© 2007 Mike Renlund, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

The Good News according to Erdman Palmore is that “Religious organization are uniquely able to use exhortation to reduce ageism because most people belong to one and because they can call on the authority of the Bible and other teachings of their religion.“ (Palmore, Ageism: Negative and Positive)

As followers of Christ, we hold powerful answers to ageing and death for our world.  The church also has a single unifying cause (Hint:  The answer starts with a “J” and ends with “esus”).  Armed with a positive perspectives of ageing and death, the church is equipped to build thriving intergenerational communities.

However, when is the last time that you heard a message, homily, blog-post, or devotional on this topic?  Even as I write, I wonder whether or not anyone will read this post.

Intergenerational is a buzzword that you hear every day within youth ministry circles.  In order to create healthy intergenerational communities, we must confront ageism and develop strategies for individual and community change.

© 2010 Eric Danley, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

When you combat ageism, you stand as a warrior for church unity.  Don’t simply be a spokesperson for the youth of the church.  I call you to blaze new trails which allow them to speak for themselves. Don’t strive for intergenerational communities until you know that they won’t attack each other.

If you don’t know where to start combating ageism, then look inside.  Ask yourself the question, “How does ageism affect you?”  May your answer lead you to the cross, and start you on a journey towards healing.

Dr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Managing Director of EA Resources.

So You Want to Start a Young Adult Ministry

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So You Want to Start a Young Adult MinistryI had rehearsed what I was going to say and had a response for each of the objections I was sure my pastor would enumerate. I waited until the waitress brought us our coffee, and then I began to share a bit of my heart with this man who had watched me grow up and in recent years had become more of a mentor. Continue reading →

When the Church is Fighting over Coffee Pots

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© 2010 Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious, Flickr | CC-BY-SA | via Wylio

I am still shocked and amazed that it happened.  I had heard stories about church conflict centered on the color of carpet or the VBS theme, but it would never happen in my church.

Never say never.

In the midst of a church business meeting, a discussion began that resulted in a fight over the use of coffee pots.  Harsh words were uttered.  People were angry.

In a room where the average age was well over forty

In a room that was holding the leadership of our church.

In a room where gray hair ran rampant, and where wisdom and maturity were supposed to be found in abundance.

In this room selfishness reigned and child-like behavior was obvious.

Sometimes immature behavior gets ascribed to… well, to those who are younger (or to people we don’t like or agree with).  Yet at that moment, it was difficult to imagine any other age group having this same conversation.

Psalm 119: 99,100 says,

I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.

Spiritual maturity is not dependent upon age, but upon the individual’s meditation and obedience to God’s word.  We all make assumptions about others based upon their age – which is defined as Ageism.  Ageism is prejudice or discrimination based upon age, and I believe it to be one of the causes of the Millennial Exodus (or why young adults are leaving the church).

When judged by his age, Paul commands Timothy to stand strong against ageism, “Don’t let anyone look down upon you because you are young.”  (1 Timothy 4:12)  Timothy was called to lead, and Paul knew that his character and calling (rather than age) were the foundation of his leadership.

Why then are young adults often excluded from leadership because of age?  (read more)

For several years in a community where I served, I regularly questioned why our leadership had to be over fifty.  After nominating many young(er) adults, they were always mysteriously removed for the same reason – they were in the wrong ‘phase of life’ (aka – anyone with children in the home). It was thinly veiled ageism –  excluded people due to their age.

When the coffee pots become the center of your church meetings, it reveals that something is wrong.

Your church may be equating age with maturity.

David Boyd 1 (1)Dr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Managing Director of EA Resources.  He is passionate about equipping parents and churches to reach Millennials.  If there is some way that he can serve your community, contact him at gdavid@earesources.org.

Why You Need to Be Yourself When Marketing to Millennials

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Earlier this week, I posted an article about Hilary Clinton’s tweet that offended Millennials and how the church can learn from her mistake.

Here is a new article that while focusing on marketing can reveal how churches often drive Millennials away.

Authenticity is a buzzword – especially among churches.

Yet the meaning is different for Millennials that other generations (Read more HERE).

If you are seeking Millennials, it is crucial to be true to yourself.  As I reflected on how churches attempt to appeal to Millennials in inauthentic ways, here are a few questions that came to mind.

1.  Do you claim to be non-denominational, and yet have clear ties and restricted beliefs for your community?

2.  Do you claim diversity, and yet have none?  (For example, when using “Stock” photos, do you accurately represent your community?)

3.  Do you claim to be earth-friendly, and yet don’t recycle?  I know of two large churches in my community who actually put out recycling containers to appear eco-friendly, and yet were unwilling to pay for recycling (and they were throwing the recyclables in the garbage).

4.  Do you claim to empower women and yet don’t have any in leadership?

I do not believe that you have to change your communities policies in these areas; however, you should accurately display them.

The main point of the article is that we should truly express our community’s set of beliefs (rather than hiding – or using a “bait and switch” technique).  While these beliefs may turn away some people, they will help others find a place where they belong.

David Boyd 1 (1)Dr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Managing Director of EA Resources.  If he can assist your community to reach Millennials, please contact him at gdavid@earesources.org.

 

The Millennial Exodus – Article by Doug Devor

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Emerging adults are leaving the church.  If this is new information to you then, please read THIS.

If you believe it isn’t true, please read THIS.

Stephens City United Methodist Church from Flickr via Wylio

© 2013 NCinDC, Flickr | CC-BY-ND | via Wylio

I have used the term to describe this transition as, “The Millennial Exodus.”  Many authors, bloggers, pastors, and church leaders have written on this topic.  If you want to see some of these various articles, I have have them tagged as the ” Millennial Exodus.”

Here is a new voice to add to the discussion by Doug Devor.  The full article is HERE.

The reasons given by the author are:

1. We are overprotective. As the church we need to allow young people to take the reins and take imaginative risks.  (I agree!  Young Adults should be given full Autonomy!)

2.We are shallow. As the church we need to focus on the depth of discipleship instead of the number attending our programs.

3.We are anti-science. As the church we need to help foster the idea that science and faith are not incompatible.

4.We are repressive. As the church we need to focus less on the rules that people should follow and more on the grace that Christ provides.

5.We are exclusive. As the church we need to invite people in and actually want them to stay, no matter who they are. We need to be more open-minded, tolerant and accepting.

6. We are doubtless. As the church we need to let young people doubt and then answer the hard questions that they have about faith.

If you are a Millennial, and you would like to add your voice to the conversation.  Please contact me at gdavid@earesources.org.  Here is a link to receive more information.

 

Young Adult Unemployment – Does your church community care?

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Earlier this week, I posted how an article that shared a Millennial’s journey through unemployment.

Emerging adults who are unemployed (or underemployed) will not break down the door to your church office asking for help.  They will not demand that the church do anything for them at all.  You might not even know they [unemployed emerging adults] exist.

They do exist.  If your church wants to minister to Emerging adults, then we must seek ways to make a difference in their lives.

Here is a chart recently released by the Economic Policy Institute.

Here are some highlights from the article.

  • …young workers always experience disproportionate increases in unemployment during periods of labor market weakness…
  • Unemployment and underemployment rates among young graduates are improving but remain substantially higher than before the recession began.
  • [These high rates of unemployment]… stems from weak demand for goods and services, which makes itunnecessary for employers to significantly ramp up hiring.
  • Wages of young college and high school graduates are performing poorly—and are substantially lower today than in 2000. The real (inflation-adjusted) wages of young high school graduates are 5.5 percent lower today than in 2000, and the wages of young college graduates are 2.5 percent lower.
  • The cost of higher education has grown far more rapidly than median family income, leaving students with little choice but to take out loans which, upon graduating into a labor market with limited job opportunities, they may not have the funds to repay.
  • Graduating in a weak economy has long-lasting economic consequences. Economic research suggests that for the next 10 to 15 years, those in the Class of 2015 will likely earn less than if they had graduated when job opportunities were plentiful.

May God lead your community to be a place that understands and is willing to do what it takes to minister to Emerging adults.

Ddavid in hat - blackr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Managing Director of EA Resources.