Understanding Millennial Givers

Millennials have a reputation for being self-absorbed but I recently read an article in the Business Insider that caused me reconsider that.  The piece focused on the work of Generation Resources, a millennial led organization dedicated to social change and equality.  Generation Resources is made up of 600 wealthy millennials working to redistribute some of their inherited, earned and future wealth to make the world a better place.  Generation Resources has sixteen chapters across the U.S.  Their primary focus is skill building and training.  They want to equip their peers to make a difference.

The executive director of Generation Resources is Iimay Ho, the 32 year old daughter of a wealthy insurance executive.  Ho stands to inherit a million dollars but she does not want to use the money, or her current financial resources, for luxury vacations or an extravagant lifestyle.  Her perspective reflects the organization.  "Our mission is to organize young wealthy people in the top 10% to use their money to support racial and economic justice," Ho said. "We do that by providing a clear role, training, and skills to support the working class through giving."

Generation Resources has donated to several causes.   They gave $2,000 to support Turning the Tide, which focuses on stopping police and ICE collaborations leading to more deportations.  They posted a $2,000 bond to release someone from ICE detention.  The have also raised $135,000 for the Social Justice Fund which addresses the cause of social, economic and environmental inequalities.

I personally am not surprised by this.  Many millennials do support organizations and efforts that align with their interests and passions. Scores of millennials are seeking jobs and positions in the non-profit sector because they desire to make a difference.  Countless millennials also have an entrepreneurial spirit, leading them to start their own non-profit organizations.

Unfortunately millennials are not passionate about giving to churches or religious organizations, even if they are members.  There are two factors at work here.  If they have grown up in the church they see it as being part of their lives that will always be there.  They give little thought to the fact that someone must support the church so the building is maintained and the staff paid.  Secondly, they are not big on supporting and maintaining institutions.  That is especially the case for institutions that seem out of touch and incapable to meeting their needs.

From my perspective, here are some ways we can reverse the trend;

Realize the future is not in building new churches or even remodeling old ones.  The church must learn to focus on ministry outside of its walls

. 

We must engage millennials and except them for who they are.  In the process we might begin to understand what excites them and determine how we might partner with them in pursuing those passions.

Stop playing the numbers game in terms of church attendance and membership.  In the fast-paced world in which millennials live they do not think about long-term affiliations.  They are more interested in partnering with those who want to help them pursue their passions and concerns.

Churches that get the message and adapt will continue to have a relevant ministry.  Those that do not are on the road to extinction.