Grossman, Cathy Lynn. (April 2010). “Survey: 72% of Millennials ‘more spiritual than religious” USA Today
OVERVIEW
Christian faith is on a decline among young adults today. According to a recent survey done by Christian Research form LifeWay Christian Resources, of 1,200 18-to 29-year olds surveyed, 72% say they’re “really more spiritual than religious.” The implications of this are far-reaching when it comes to religious behaviors such as prayer, attending
worship services, or reading the Bible and/or other sacred texts.
Key findings of the survey show:
Ø 65% rarely or never pray with others, and 38% almost never pray by themselves either.
Ø 65% rarely or never attend worship services.
Ø 67% don't read the Bible or sacred texts.
Ø Many are unsure Jesus is the only path to heaven: Half say yes, half no.
According to Thom Rainer, president of LifeWay, if these trends continue, “the Millennial generation will see churches closing as quickly as GM dealerships.”
More shockingly, perhaps, are the findings among those who have accepted Jesus as their savior and believe they will go to heaven:
Ø 68% did not mention faith, religion or spirituality when asked what was "really important in life."
Ø 50% do not attend church at least weekly.
Ø 36% rarely or never read the Bible.
Also, only 40% of those who have accepted Christ see sharing the Gospel as their responsibility.
These numbers indicate that perhaps Thom Rainer is correct in saying that the Millennial generation will see an ever-increasing amount of churches close. Yet some have a more optimistic view; that the decline in passionate faith among youth will drive people to “build new, passionately Christian dynamic churches.”
Optimistic as this may be, whatever our outlook it seems imperative that something be done to bring Millennial’s back to church.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION & DISCUSSION
- What, if anything, about these statistics surprise you? What doesn’t surprise you?
- Do you agree with the perspective that this information will drive church and other religious leaders to build “new, passionately Christian dynamic churches?”
- What exactly does a “new, passionately Christian dynamic church” look like? Do you have any suggestions for leaders on how to draw millenials to redefine their views of faith?
IMPLICATIONS
- Obviously, unless we redefine church and create new ways of reaching out the the millennial generation than the future of the church looks grim.
- It is the responsibility of parents, church leaders and others who work with youth ensure that they have a fuller understanding of what it means to be “spiritual” and to live their lives as sons and daughters of God.
Chris Lloyd, cCYS