I found this video on you-tube, and if you care about Millennials, and the future of the church…
This sarcastic perspective of the Millennial Exodus will definitely cause some laughter.
Tag Archives: Millennial Exodus
Are Millennials Really Leaving the Church? Yes — but Mostly White Millennials
Almost everyday, it seems, there’s a new story about how “Millennials are leaving the church.” But there’s a problem with these trend pieces: They aren’t true. American Christianity still has plenty of Millennials — they’re just not necessarily in white churches. Continue reading
You (Almost) Lost Me: Why This Young Christian Is Somehow Not Leaving Church…And Rethinking Faith
What pains me is the defensive reactions of (typically older) generations that have said: “What are we going to do about those darn millennials?” That have talked at us more than talked with us.
Why Aren’t Black Millennials Leaving the Church?
© 2008 Raphaël Labbé, Flickr | CC-BY-SA | via Wylio
It is important in our research about Millennials to not make generalizations about the generation because broad stereotypes rarely hold up. Millennials are extremely diverse. Here is an article about one subset of Millennials who are not exiting the church, but continue to remain.
If you keep up with Christian news and blogs at all you know there has been a lot of talk about why Millennials are leaving the church.
It is a hot topic for Christian books and speakers, and for good reason. People are trying to understand why Millennials are leaving, if we can get them back and if the problem is with the generation or with the message or presentation of the Church. Continue reading
The “Millennial Exodus” – Is the Future of the Church at Stake?
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)
© 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.
Dr. 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
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.
I’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
Blazing New Trails within the Church
I want to share the story of a trailblazer -she didn’t see a path for her beyond youth group, so she made one. Continue reading
When the Church is Fighting over Coffee Pots
© 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.
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.
The Millennial Exodus – Article by Doug Devor
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.
© 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.
Frank Powell on Addressing “The Millennial Exodus”
I came across this article this past week during my reading, and I wanted to share it with my readers. Millennials are leaving the faith, and if you care about the lost, then we must examine why.
The piece reflects many of the same points made in other pieces about why Millennials are leaving the church. Here is my voice in the discussion of the Millennial Exodus. The author mentions the Millennials’ boredom with worship turf wars, and the corporate structure of the church, and then throws in plenty of accusations towards others who are making Jesus “cool” or “hip” (I have never really seen anyone do this, but I assume it is being done since so many reference it.)
Here are a few noteworthy quotes.
- I want desperately to love the people “out there” more than I love the people “in here.” I think others do as well. (Removing our Christian Bubbles.)
- Corporate worship is powerful. But I wonder if the church hasn’t made an idol out of worship. We spend an enormous amount of time debating it and arguing over it.
- Jesus isn’t American. And America isn’t God’s country. Or maybe it is. But not any more than Mexico, Germany, or Japan. America doesn’t have a stranglehold on God. God is bigger than that. If he’s not, I don’t want to serve him.
- Here’s the deal. I want to actually love the sinner. Many times I am not sure how. But I want to try.
Dr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Managing Director of EA Resources, a non-profit designed to equip churches to minister to Emerging Adults.