The End of the Millennials

It is no secret that the church has missed the boat when it comes to reaching millennials.  A majority those born during the last two decades of the twentieth century view the Christian Church as being insensitive and judgmental.  In their mind the Christian community has become an irrelevant voice.  We can debate any of the above, but the reality is less than one in four young adults who grew up in the church is still activity engaged in a Christian community.  That does not mean they do not have a faith.  Many still pray and read the Bible.  A majority still believe in God and even claim Jesus as their Savior, they just don't see mainline Christianity as a way to live that out. 

While we should be attempting to win back those who have wandered off, I think our focus should be on making a difference in the lives of those still in our midst.  I am writing about the high school youth who are members of our churches.  The current flock of teens is the last of the millennials to pass through our doors.  If they are still visible in our community we still have a chance to make a difference.  Even if they are not as engaged as we would like, we still have the opportunity to reach out and make a difference.

It begins with relationships.  For decades the church has relied on youth ministry professionals to take the lead in that effort.  Congregations have hired a youth pastor, or director of Christian education to gather the kids together and keep them engaged.  The staff person who heads the youth ministry department would then train a select few other adult volunteers in mentoring the teens.  If the numbers looked good, the church leaders assumed they were doing a good job.  That model no longer works.  The reality is it never was biblical.  The responsibility for passing on the heritage of faith should be shared by the entire community. 

For the next four years I would encourage you to move out of your comfortable pew and into the lives of the teenagers in your midst.  Instead of gathering around the coffee pot on Sunday morning, you need to be in the youth room, or wherever it is the teens are gathered.  If you notice that a young person who was once visible suddenly has disappeared, ask questions.  Reach out to them.  Write them a note, friend them on Facebook or send them a text.  Let them know you care about them.  Most of all; share you faith story.