In-Person Worship: Guess Who Might not Come Back

Barb and I have opted not to return to in-person worship, even though our church has opened back up.  It is a combination of both of us being over seventy and the fact that her “pre-existing conditions” place her in the “high risk” group.  While we miss the fellowship with our church friends, we recognize that this is just a season we are going through.  One unexpected benefit is we are able to be part of our children’s individual ministries.  Our sons, Peter and Mark, are both pastors.  We are able to worship with them virtually, and still participate with our church family at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where our daughter Katie serves as director of worship and the arts.

Though the view of the congregation is limited, we are able to see a few familiar folks at Prince of Peace.  Yes, there are a few folks who are our age and older who are in attendance.  We are okay with their choice.  In-person worship is not something we feel comfortable with right now.  With the latest data indicating another spike in COVID-19 cases, we recognize it could be several months before we feel comfortable being out and about again.

I am well aware of the fact that folks are anxious to return to church.  Early in the pandemic my brother Jim reminded me that “we are not designed to live alone.”  When the opportunity to gather with friends and family becomes available, people will flock to be part of it.  I am hearing reports from my friends in youth ministry that when they hold events now, the kids come in droves.  It does require some adjustments for social distancing, etc. but even with the restrictions the kids want to be around their friends.  I suspect the same need is driving adults to return to worship.  The experience in the sanctuary fulfills one need and the fellowship in the parking lot and around the coffee pot satisfies another.

As people drift back to worshipping in-person, I hear one generational group is conspicuous in their absence.  Millennials, probably more than any other group, have been impacted by the pandemic.  While we still tend to think of them as being young people, the reality is that the oldest of the Millennial Generation are now approaching forty.  Do the math; If Millennials are the generation born between 1980 and 1995, they are now, for the most part, established in their careers.  Many are parents with young families. 

Many Millennials have been forced to work from home, while also supervising their children.  They are juggling their own jobs while also overseeing their children’s education.  As a result, many are in overload.  Their own needs, including spiritual, have been put on the “back burner” as they function in survival mode.  Even if their children are returning to in-person instruction, it is difficult for them to see much normalcy in the midst of the pandemic.   As a result, they are probably going to be the last generational group to return to in-person worship…. if they come back at all.

Millennials are not big on on-line worship.  The two things they cherish in being part of a worship community are lacking in virtual worship.  They want to be engaged.  That means involvement and fellowship.  Unlike many older adults who are content sitting in the pew, Millennials desire to be actively engaged in ministry.  They want to be in leadership positions and involved in hands-on ministry.  They also desire to network with others their age.  That is especially true for young parents who are looking for support and emotional encouragement. 

The challenge for pastors and church leaders become, how do we minister to and equip those who are not physically present? The truth is most Millennials still have the need but might not ever return to our church buildings again.  The new reality is finding ways to do ministry outside the physical church structure.  In the future, ministry is not going to happen in the church, but through the church touching the lives of people where they are at. 

I have long maintained that older adults and Millennials have much in common.  Now, the pandemic has added another element to the list.  At this point in time, many of us are sheltered at home.  That does not lessen our need to hear the gospel message and to be equipped to share it with others.