millennials and the church

Millennials and the Church

America’s largest generation seeks change through hope, knowledge, and authenticity.

1. Gain an understanding of the 4 adult generations interacting today and what makes each important to your church

2. What do Millennials think about Church and Religion and what does that mean for you?

3. Develop a plan for attracting and marketing to Millennials

Veterans: Over 68 years old

• Important events included: – The Great Depression– WWII – Disney releases it’s first animated feature (Snow

White)– The Korean War– Sputnik went into Orbit

You might be a veteran if…• You have the ability to entertain yourself without

a TV, in fact you remember the days before TV

• Popular Technology: Radio

Baby Boomers: 48-67 years old• Important events included:

– Man walks on the Moon– Civil Rights– Woodstock– Deaths of JFK and Martin Luther King– Vietnam War begins

You might be a Boomer if you can complete these sentences…

• When the Beatles first came to the U.S. in early 1964, we all watched them on the ______show

• "Get your kicks, ________________”

• Popular Technology: Television

Generation X: 33-46 years old

• Important events: – The Cold War (remember getting under your desk?)– Challenger Shuttle Explodes on Takeoff– Berlin Wall Dismantled– Fall of Communism in Eastern Europe– U.S. Troops go to Persian Gulf for the 1st time– AIDS Identified

You might be a Gen Xer if…• Schoolhouse Rock played a HUGE part in how you actually

learned the English language. – I know what a Bill (sittin’ up on Capital Hill) is thanks to that show!!

Popular Technology: Computers

Millennials: 12-32 years old

• Important Events: – Death of Princess Diana– Death of Mother Teresa– Columbine– 9/11– World Trade Center Attacks– War begins in Iraq for a 2nd time

You might be a Millennial if…• Blog, Facebook, IMing, text messaging, and other

social media are a regular part of your daily life

• Popular Technology: The internet, cell phones

How Different Generations Approach ChurchOlder generations are more likely to:• attend worship services weekly• prefer traditional styles of music in worship services• spend regular time in private devotional activity• have a strong sense of belonging to their denomination• be involved in church-based community service, justice or welfare activities• be involved in community-based service, care or welfare activities

Younger generations are more likely to:• be involved in small groups• prefer contemporary styles of music in worship services• feel that their gifts and skills are encouraged• have helped others in a range of informal ways• value outreach, be involved in evangelistic activities, and actually invite others to

church• be newcomers to church life, have switched denominations or transferred

congregations in the previous five years

Sound Familiar?

• Looking for meaningful work• Seeking challenge• Chance to prove themselves and show they can

perform well• Enjoys contact with people• Desire to be in a position of responsibility• Resents being looked at as though they have no

experience• Tends to be more job mobile• Less respectful of authority

Who does this describe?

Training and Development Journal

November 1970Sorry Boomers, the other generations in the workforce

didn’t like you when you started working!

Every generation that enters the workforce makes waves!

What Make’s Millennials Different?

94% of Millennials state they respect older generations

Statistically Speaking…• Young adults today are less church-connected

than prior generations were when they were in their 20s. (65% rarely attend church)

• Millennials are just about as spiritual as their parents and grandparents were at those ages. (72% believe they are more spiritual than religious)

• Millennials are significantly more likely than young adults in earlier generations to say they don’t identify with any religious group.

young people are thirsting for social justice, and simply not finding those principles in the pews.

They are seeking a place of creativity and critical thinking, and a space free from judgment.

What Does this Mean for your Church?

According to research, Millennials feel that churches should “focus their engagement on actions that serve the common good or speak up for the oppressed rather than

opposing a controversial issue because of theological objections.”

Deeper

TRUTH

What is your strategy?

Jennifer Fisherjenniferlfisher@live.com

Download this presentation from:Twitter: Jenfisherfw

Blog: www.generationalsoup.com

Thank You!!!