Last month I invited you to dedicate some time to prayer and fasting for the church Let us continue in prayer and fasting and particularly for the Millennials which is our focus for this month.
The Millennials refer to that group of young people/young adults born between 1984 and 2002. They represent a significant group globally which cannot be ignored as they impact every area of society such as, politics, religion, entertainment, technology, commerce and the arts. Millennials set
trends, they create culture, they challenge religious beliefs and they set off major surprises and upsets in politics. But our concern is with their spiritual engagement.
Several studies have been done on Millennials and the church, addressing their reasons for exiting the church and also for remaining in the church. It is no secret that they are not in great numbers in our mainline churches, but not all are leaving. Like many persons Millennials are searching and need to find a spiritual centre and anchor for their lives and the church can help and must help. A study was done by George Barna some five years ago, to determine why Millennials remain connected to the traditional churches. Based on the findings, five approaches were suggested for the church to strengthen the connection with this group.
Relationships
It was observed that a majority of those who remained connected to the church had a close bond with a more mature member of the church. Barna noted that, “Those who stay were twice as likely to have a close personal friendship with an adult inside the church (59% of those who stayed report such a friendship versus 31% among those who are no longer active). The same pattern is evident among more intentional relationships such as mentoring—28% of Millennials who stay had an adult mentor at the church other than their pastor, compared to 11% of dropouts who say the same”. I believe this data is very instructive for us as we relate within the church and particularly to the young.
There is nothing new or surprising in this research as it has always been true that churches grow where people feel that they belong and have a home and are not treated as strangers.
Interestingly I discovered recently that a similar study done by a graduate of the UTC from another denomination came up with the same findings. The Millennials were connected to the aunties and uncles in the church who made them feel special and with whom they had a very close bond. While we fast and pray, let us put more in the quality of our relationships.
Teach cultural discernment
Millennials need the church to help them to understand their purpose in life. So often, many youths are really confused about the culture and need the guidance of the church to help them to engage the culture from a distinct Christian perspective. Not from a new age, humanistic or secular perspective, but from a Christian point of view. This challenges the church to practice and preach the truth.
Make reverse mentoring a priority
Millennials want to be taken seriously today. They do not wish to be seen purely as the leaders of the future but want to let the church know that they have something to offer today and be given the space and opportunity to share it. I have learnt a lot from Millennials and have learned that my
mentors are not always older than I am but younger as well.
Embrace the potency of vocational discipleship
The church needs to teach a potent theology of vocation or calling. In other words we need to let our youths and young adults know that their person and gifts are part of God’s calling on their lives. Millennials like to know that their gifts can be used in the church and community to lift the quality of life of ours. They like Causes, especially for the poor, the environment, and victim of human trafficking and so on.
Facilitate connection with Jesus
According to Barna, “Millennials who remain active are more likely than those who dropped out to say they believe Jesus speaks to them personally in a way that is real and relevant (68% versus 25%)” For this reason the church needs to give priority to helping Millennials grow a lasting and meaningful faith, by facilitating a deep intimate relationship with Christ. What better way to demonstrate this than to offer a faith to our millennials that is authentic and fully integrated in all of life?
How can we make a difference? There is nothing that prayer and fasting can’t change.