In Monday’s post, I noted six key issues facing many American congregations. I will discuss seven more issues in this article, and thus provide 13 issues for 2013. As a reminder, these 13 items are not as much prognostications as they are current trends that are accelerating.
- Innovative use of space. I recently drove onto a church property located on approximately three to four acres. My consultant training told me that 300 to 500 people could worship on that site. The Millennial pastor who was riding with me said that the site could easily accommodate 2,000 in attendance. The younger pastor did not see limitations of times or days of worship. Indeed that generation will cause us to look anew at church space limitations.
- Heightened conflict. The Millennial generation will not accept church-as-usual. They are shaking the status quo in many churches. They are not seeking to be adversarial; they are simply asking tough questions that those of us in older generations were reticent to address. Anecdotally the greatest resistance to change is occurring in the Builder generation and the older Boomer generation (roughly including those born before 1955).
- Adversarial government. More public schools and other public facilities will be less accepting of churches meeting in their facilities. Some other local governments are resisting approval of non-tax paying congregations expanding their facilities. New churches and existing churches that are expanding their venues will be forced to become more creative as they look for new locations.
- Community focus. One of the great benefits the Millennial generation brings to our churches is their focus on the community in which the church is located. They are not content simply to offer ministries to those who come to the church facilities; they are going into the community to serve the merchants and residents who work and live there.
- Cultural discomfort. Many of the issues noted thus far point to growing levels of discomfort for the congregations in the culture they seek to minister and serve. For all of the twentieth century and even the early years of the twenty-first century, it was culturally acceptable, even expected, to be a part of a local congregation. Those expectations are all but gone. There is a growing and distinct divide between the values of the culture and the Christian values most churches hold.
- Organizational distrust. There is a pervasive and growing distrust of institutions in general. Those institutions are found in both government and business, but religious institutions are not exempt from this lack of trust. That diminishing confidence exudes from those both in churches and those who do not attend churches.
- Reductions in church staff. I am watching this development carefully. Two different forces are at work. First, in many congregations there is a greater emphasis on laypersons handling roles once led by paid staff. Second, the tough economic climate and declining church attendance are naturally affecting church budgets. Congregations are reticent to fire staff, but more and more are not filling vacant positions.
What is your reaction to these issues? What trends would you add to this list?
These issues are extremely difficult for rural and smaller town churches to understand.
There seems to be an aversion to accepting this information, yet the proof is in the lack of 18-29 year olds that aren’t in the pews. This is creating lots of frustration in equipping the church because of the aversion to change.
Good points.
Thanks Andy.
Well stated Tim. We need leaders like you who can lovingly move our church members to understand and respond to these issues.
So!, is all hopeless? At age 60, in 18 days at 61, I believe great days are ahead for the church! It all comes back to the use of the greatest tool we have, the Word of God! There is a hunger for it from the preaching of the Word to the studying of it personally to Storying it on the streets to sharing Christ as the Holy Spirit prompts! I have friends who say I am the eternal optimist! I am because my God is Eternal, Hev hasn’t returned yet, and He has not decommissioned the Church! We are still mobilized! What the Church will look like in the days and years ahead is yet to be seen! So, to answer my question, “Is it hopeless?”‘ Absolutely Not! Use the Word as He shows and allows you to do so! It is effective in every context and will never fail to speak!
John -
All is not hopeless and your points are great. Until Jesus comes in final victory, we must do everything in His power to keep our churches healthy, impacting culture for His glory!
I may seem behind the times here, but I believe that Preaching the Word of God will still fill up a Church. What we need is to restore the Power of The Early Church. When Jesus left here, He left a Church that was doing Miracles, Signs and wonders were a daily occurence. IHe will be returning for the same kind of Church. I don’t want to sound odd, but sure you can get a crowd by feeding them donuts and coffee before the service, but how is that going to help them get to Heaven? How is that going help them overcome the works of the devil? How can it help them overcome the additions that plague their life? Let’s get back to Preching the Word and return to POWER that was manifested in the early Church, Get a few people healed, get a few people delivered, get someone healed of a deadly disease. Then you’ll see people start coming to Church for the right reasons and they won’t be ready to leave so quickly when the the next fad comes along.
Hi, I was just thinking. Did the crowds that followed when he was doing miracles, always stay with him. Or did many depart? I will have to take a look at that and see.
Actually They Didn’t, They were still operating under The Law, The Law was powerless and weak, It did nothing to help keep us or sustain us. Even Peter could not stand up against a young girl that night by the fire, but denied Him, All the others left Him alone. Then came The Cross. The New Covenant made provision for Power. When They were endued with power, Peter stood before the Masses and Declared Jesus. The Disciples were tortured but would not deny Him. Many were fed to lions and beheaded for His name sake. We are now under the New Covenant and should be the ones through which God will Manifest His Power, The world is looking answers and we have the answer, His name is Jesus. John said it best when he saw Jesus coming toward the Jordan, “BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD, THAT TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD” I am not saying that having donuts or coffee is wrong or a sin, But lets be the church God has called us to be, and bring Hope to the World.
Bro. Rainer,
I must say, I feel like you’re giving millennials WAY too much credit here. I’m 34 years old, so I’m barely older than most people in this group, and even though I’m closer in age, I have a much different impression. To me this group is the most self-centered group in the church. If churches don’t cater their services specifically to them, they leave, usually looking for something more liberal, or worse, they stop looking.
Also, the Word of God never tells us to look to our youth for leadership. That’s not to say youth can’t be leaders, because obviously they can be, but to look to people with very little life experience or wisdom verses leaning on older, wiser generations (who are as you describe them builders, which is an apt description IMO) makes very little sense to me.
I think we need to spend time cultivating an attitude of spiritual maturity amongst this group that will put God first, rather than catering solely to them, which only make the “me first” attitude that is prevalent among millennials grow stronger.
I appreciate your work on this blog, and would love to hear your thoughts.
Tom -
Thanks for your comments. I plan to respond to you and others later this morning. I appreciate your patience.
Tom -
Your thoughts are as valuable as mine, but I’ll try to make a couple of contributions. My son, Jess Rainer, and I did a massive research project and interviewed 1,200 Millennials across the country. We found that about 15 percent of this generation are Christians. The vast majority of the 15 percent were “sold out” to the faith, as much as I have seen in years . We report this information in our book, “The Millennials.”
Our research does not negate the reality of your observations. The commitment level of Millennials was not uniform in every church. But overall I would say that this generation is one of the most committed I’ve seen, at least among those who are Christians.
Thanks for your interaction. It’s good to hear other perspectives.
Bro. Rainer,
Thank you for response, and especially for understanding that stating a disagreement is not an attack, something that happens often in our digital world.
As to your response, I would love to see your research, because I can’t help but think it would be instructive to see what the characteristics of dedicated millennials verses the ones that I’ve encountered. Did you post this research on line anywhere? If so, I would love a link.
Again, thanks for the wisdom shown in your response.
God bless you.
Thanks Tom. I’ll give you three resources. First, see the original data at LifeWayResearch.com. Second, do a search for Millennials on my blog. I’ve written a number of articles on the topic. Third, send your mailing address to Amy.Jordan@LifeWay.com and I’ll send you a complimentary copy of the book.
Wow, thank you very much, Bro. Rainer, will do.
I think another area is the challenge for older, established churches to look beyond the brick and mortar, into the cybersphere. I am on staff at a small church, where we have virtually no digital footprint. But looking ahead, I recognize that millions access the ministry and message of more culturally progressive churches, via computer, tablets, and smartphones. While I think it’s vital for churches to embrace this means to propigate the message, the challenges are obvious:
- How do we “close the deal” with regard to discipling and bringing souls to Christ?
- How do we bring these people into the fold of relationship, fellowship and commitment to the Body?
- How do small churches staff for a technologically driven ministry?
- How do small churches pay for an outreach ministry that, while needed, often produces little in the form of contributions?
I think these issues are significant and the average church isn’t just unable to keep up; many are unaware there is even a race to run.
Great questions Phillip. Those are the type questions that must be addressed by many churches today.
Such good points. I’m delving into these very topics over the next six weeks on my blog. The series is named: Faith Hub: Where God and Technology Connect. I’ve recently attended churches where social media is not embraced by the senior pastor or older church leaders – I foresee this as limiting who they will reach for Christ in the future. On the other hand, I see a generation of youth who are abusing technology and social media without regards for social etiquette or their testimony for Christ. I truly believe the key to this issue is teaching churches and individuals the balance of social media outreach!
Thanks Rachel. I look forward to reading your blog. You already have several great insights.
Very vital subject matter raised! We must retrace the tracks of our Lord Jesus in the scriptures! And there we will realize that this blog is on to something that we must give our full attention to! The sick needs the physician not the whole and the well! Our traditions have made the word of God non-effective in drawing this young generation! This response is not to make me sound so ingenious but be assured if we retrace the tracks of our Lord then there we will find out how we can reach this young generation!
Dr. Rainer,
I agree with many of the sentiments in the article, I am 32, so I would guess my voice would be applicable.
The most poignant observation I would say is that you are correct, most churches where tradition rules the day are not a place where most younger generations would feel welcome, accept those who are culturally grandfathered in (ie., their parents or grandparents went there). That being said, numerous other writers have mentioned that the need to feel attached to some greater cause is core to their motives, therefore authentic Christianity, not just cultural expectations are what attracts and keeps them. They just tend to ask questions of why things are done a certain way and if there is no biblical mandate or warrant, they are not compelled to maintain. For instance, does scripture say, one must worship with a hymnal and an organ to be “conservative” when most people are merely going through the motions of the order of service that has not changed in 60 years or does it implore us to worship with reverence with the public reading of Scripture, prayer and Psalms and Spiritual Songs? I would always err with Scripture.
My point is this, Christianity is not culturally specific. If we took most of the SBC churches today and planted them in Latin America, most if not all aspects except the prayer and preaching would be extremely foreign. We must understand that it is the inerrant Word of God boldly proclaimed, fervent prayer, and reverent worship in song of theologically accurate lyrical music that is the mark of biblical worship, and the Christian is marked by one who feasts on this and lives out of the overflow of God’s grace toward one another and to the lost.
I learned from an elder Baptist Statesman in KY some very good wisdom that I took with me to the church I serve in with many elder congregants. He was part of a church who planted several others, and longs to see the lost come to Christ. He said he was pained to hear that many perceive his generation of doing things wrong, as if their motives were incorrect. He said once he talked through it with many new planters and pastors that the motives are the same, the methods were different and the terminology changed.
So I think it would be very beneficial to bridge the gap in the generations through prayer and teaching, to identify how much we truly have in common through conversation and covenanting to pursue biblical church, even at the sacrifice of each other’s personal preferences so that others may know Christ!
As a 32 year old I can sing with joy out of a 20 year old hymnal or an feast on the word in an old Sunday school room at 9:30 so long as God’s word is there, His people and His presence.
Marc -
You may be 32 years old, but you show wisdom far beyond your years.
I, too, am 32 years old. I, too, am a pastor. I, too, serve a church with many elder congregants.
Marc, you said, “The most poignant observation I would say is that you are correct, most churches where tradition rules the day are not a place where most younger generations would feel welcome, accept those who are culturally grandfathered in.” That’s a great observation, but I want to take it a step further, which is why I’m posting anonymously.
I suspect that a rather large percentage of young pastors who serve established, traditional churches would not attend those churches were they not the pastor. Of course, I can only speculate based on personal experience and the experience of close colleagues.
Dr. Rainer, has any research been done, even anecdotally, into this particular issue? If not, would it be at all beneficial, or, at the very least, interesting to know what percentage of younger pastors would not choose to attend the churches they pastor were they not the pastor?
That is a fascinating question. To my knowledge, that research has not been done. You have motivated me to consider it for the future.
Thom,
Great insight and I agree with your points and most everyone’s comments, but I would like to add one issue that I think is an issue for every generation. That issue is “comfort” The older gen. was comfortable in how they ran church and failed to adapt. The younger generation reacted to that and adapted, but only time will tell if the younger generation falls into the same trap of doing something because that’s what they’ve always done. We are all creatures of staying within our comfort zones and not being stretched for the kingdom. I hope this makes sense?
Mike -
Makes good sense to me.
The church I was discipled at was a Millennial church before we knew what that was. We met in a church member’s business. It happened to be a Pest Control bldg. We were small, but God used us to reach all over the world with the Gospel of Christ.
Thanks Cheryl.
Great article! I am a Pastor of a rural church. We are an older congregation but are focussing on reaching younger families and singles. What suggestions would you give me to help the older Christians in the church catch the vision of reaching the younger and being the example of godliness? (I am 37 years old).
Thanks and have a blessed 2013!
Here are a few things that concern me about the church in 2013:
- The lack of multi-generational emphasis which will also make churches created today irrelevant in the near future and encourage members to fall away when their church is no longer displaying the right style.
- The program-driven nature of the church which causes many in the crucial 18-29 age group to fall away because a college/career/singles program will not reach all nor transition with them as their lives change
- The lack of meaningful spiritual and personal depth to address the difficult issues in the church such as the spiritual epidemic of addiction that has destroyed our men or the lack of foundational biblical teaching to give young people a reason not to let Jesus impact ever aspect of their lives
Andrew -
All excellent points and insights.
We have opened our building to be used by the community. For instance special needs have parties there, Law enforcement hold meetings and more. Not to mention what project in the community each of our homegroup does.
Our Pastor says from time to time that our back door is as big as our front door right now. We are trying to figure out what to do about that. We get new visitors every week and it’s amazing. Amazing because we meet in a warehouse and have no signs. So any new people we get is basically by word of mouth and by our website. If they choose to come to home group most of them stay, those who don’t tend to wander around to visit other churches.
We’ve not been in our building long. Bought a vacant warehouse off a main hwy. Before we met at a middel school, then the YMCA, then the local movie theater. In 8 year existence the church had it’s first ever vote last year to purchase building. The building has been a great tool to reach people and minster to the community. But I’ve met several millenials along the way with “organic” stance that call our church institutional and not biblical because we have started meeting in our own building. That we have made a mistake.
That is why I think it is difficult for churches in our area to support the organic home study start ups because they don’t seem to mind burning bridges then when we are hesitant to help we are the bad guys.
Our church is a contemporary style. But our pastor has said many times in many sermons that their are traditional churches that “get it” and their are some that don’t. That same goes for contemporary churches, some seem to miss the purpose of being the church by a mile then some actually doing wonderful.
Thank you for your points Thom I really appreciate you taking time to do that.
Thanks Curtis. I love hearing stories about churches that are impacting the community like yours. Thank God for your church!
I may have missed it, but a taming of culture war tones and approaches has spawned new abilities for church leaders to engage across belief gaps more effectively. In my ministry, I train church leaders on effective outreach and pastoral care to both those who identify as LGBT (or Side A) and those who consider SSA or same-sex attraction to be a sin-struggle (or Side B). This is creating tremendous opportunities for conservative faith churches and leaders to nourish rather than chop at the roots of faith – to love better without compromising their beliefs. This is a huge shift underway and it became quite visible in 2012. Maybe it will make the list in 2013. God bless, Bill Henson Founder and President, Lead Them Home
Thom, is there a role that apologetics plays in reaching younger people. We try to help people understand some things like, “Why it makes sense to Believe the Bible” in an attempt to prepare them for discussions with people who do not accept the Scripture as from God. Does being prepared to “give an answer to every man the reason for the hope that is within you” play a role in reaching younger people? Thanks, Ron
I see tons of opportunity!
Thanks Eric, can you give me any pointers on what you would do to train the church in apologetics and how it would interface with the younger people.
Thanks
Ron
Thanks for these thoughts, Dr. Rainer. I want to understand the paragraph on creative worship space, where your consultant said 3-500 people and the pastor said 2,000. Was that because the consultant was only considering one group at one time whereas the pastor’s perspective was on the total number through multiple activities? I would interested in research done into ways of allowing for more people in existing facilities instead of having to build new facilities (something which is tougher on smaller churches). How can we be creative with facility space and still keep the connection between people as one church?
Hi,
Like Estes, i ll love to have a copy of the research on the Millenials. My e-mail is idufeyi@yahoo.com. Thanks.
Dominic -
Please see the same resources I noted to him. I am out of comp books, but the title is “The Millennials.”