Young Adults and The Church: Engaging the Missing Generation
While there have been exciting whispers of a quiet revival among Gen Z, the gap in the 15-30s age bracket across hundreds of churches is not yet a thing of the past. David Sims, a Vicar at St Thomas’ Church Aldridge, has been taking to TikTok in a seemingly successful attempt to reach this generation. Many younger people have started attending his church (and others) as a result.
Whether the Lord brings young people to our churches despite our social media un-savviness or because of our savviness; it’s worth pausing to reflect on what we might do as churches to keep this generation coming (and staying) through the doors. So, how can churches create spaces where this generation feels welcome, connected, and discipled? Here are some things that are worth getting right:
1. Creating a Warm Welcome
Every age comes with its blessings and burdens, but the 20s-30s age bracket can be tough. Many have recently left home; are trying to find a job or find their feet in their new career; and they’re often working out what they believe about life. As with any new person who braves church for the first time, a welcoming atmosphere is key to first impressions. From formal welcomers to the person who pops over for a chat at the end of the service, making the effort to welcome newcomers reflects Christ’s welcome to us as his children. And while it’s great to sound relevant, don’t think you have to be ‘cool’ to go and start a conversation. To connect with older, wiser people who have been through their stage of life can be a real blessing to younger people.
For a helpful resource in thinking this through further, click here.
2. Foster Hospitality
"Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality" Romans 12:13
"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” 1 Peter 4:9
"You are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you" 3 John 1:5-6
Showing hospitality is another key asset for keeping young people in church. Fostering it can take time (if it’s not already there) but as the Bible is littered with verses about it, it’s worth working on. Whether a young person has moved to a different city or they’re missing the comforts of their childhood home, feeling looked after by those who are in a more settled phase of life can be calming and helpful for gaining perspective. Whether it’s inviting someone over for dinner or offering a listening ear over coffee; our actions will help people to feel valued with a place to belong.
Need more ideas on how to practice hospitality in your context? Check out these resources.
3. Build a Sense of Belonging
Meeting and growing with others in similar circumstances will be valuable in keeping younger people in church, so having groups specifically tailored to the 15-30s, from social events to Bible studies, is another important consideration. But don’t overlook cultivating intergenerational relationships; older believers can provide wisdom and stability and the feeling that they are truly a part of the family of God.
4. Prioritise Discipleship
Jesus's final command to his followers was to "make disciples of all nations," (emphasis mine) teaching them to obey everything he commanded (Matthew 28:18-20). We’re not to just leave our young people (or indeed any new Christian) to live their Christian journeys in isolation of other believers. Helping others to follow Jesus and fostering a culture of this in church is another vital component to help keep young people in church.
The following two blog posts, inspired by Paul’s words to Titus (Titus 2:3-5), of older women teaching the younger women, offer a helpful perspective on this:
Younger Women Need Older Women
Need help thinking through discipleship in your context? Check out our resources here.
5. Invest in Youth Work
Ensuring we keep teens who’ve attended church since childhood is another vital area to prioritise. Children need to develop a strong faith that withstands all the challenges and trials that a 15-30s lifestyle can throw up. Quality youth work that teaches the truths of the Bible is paramount to this. From faithful weekly teaching in Sunday Schools to holiday clubs and kids' camps, good youth work is key to getting and keeping 20s and 30s in church.
Some helpful resources for a place to start with this include:
Websites like Gospel Centred Family
6. Embrace Relevant Outreach
Finally, for those not yet engaging with church at all, perhaps we do need to consider investing in social media platforms. Gen Z, and younger men in particular, use video focused platforms like You Tube, TikTok and Instagram to find out information about the world and what’s going on around them. If churches can use these platforms to attract the next generation to come, then it’s worth investing in to perhaps reach those who might not otherwise step inside a church.
Final Encouragement
Finally, let’s thank God for what He is doing in our time, and that He is sovereign over all our feeble efforts to reach those with the Gospel. Let’s be thankful that He will bring those to Himself whom He wants to come. Let’s praise God for allowing us the privilege of being used in His harvest; and ask for boldness as we go about making disciples, knowing we do so only in Christ’s strength.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9.
If you need specific resources to help reach young people in your community, reach out to us at info.uk@10ofthose.com. We’d love to help you find just what you need!
