who-are-millennials-social-media-marketing-infographic-smallMillennials, those born between 1980 and 2000 are the largest segment in America totally 80 million.  Pew Research recently released data showing that one in three, or 32% of Millennials have no religious affiliation.  Consider the following quote on this phenomenon from The Barna Group…

Recent surveys by the Barna Group have shed light on this trend by examining those 18- to 29-year-olds who used to identify themselves closely with faith and the church, but who have since begun to wrestle with that identity. In fact, between high school and turning 30, 43% of these once-active Millennials drop out of regular church attendance—that amounts to eight million twentysomethings who have, for various reasons, given up on church or Christianity.

So clearly we in the Church have a problem.  We are losing our next generation.  This will impact not only attendance but giving.  It stands to reason that the fewer people in your services the fewer funds you will receive.  The less funds you receive the less you will be able to do in missions and ministry.  So let’s talk about what we can do.

What Your Church Must Do To Connect With Millennials

Care!  It is time we admit the obvious.  Attendance and giving is declining and we are failing to connect with the easiest mission field, Millennials.  It is time we wake up and realize that we are close to becoming another Europe.  Let’s connect with this crucial generation.

Understand what makes Millennials tick.  The Millennial Impact Report is a continuing study of Millennials views and behaviors.  Listed below is a quote from their most recent 2013 report summarizing key trends about Millennials.  After each point I make a suggestion of what lessons the Church can learn from these trends.

MILLENNIALS PREFER TO CONNECT VIA TECHNOLOGY – They use websites and search engines primarily for information-gathering, finding volunteer opportunities, and donating online. They rely on social media and email for communicating and connecting with their networks, while mobile technology gives them instant access to all these channels.

Lesson for the Church – Set up and implement the tools of technology to connect with this group.

MILLENNIALS SHARE IN MICRO WAYS – Their interactions with nonprofit organizations are likely to be immediate and impulsive. When inspired, they will act quickly in a number of ways, from small donations to short volunteer stints, provided that the opportunities are present and the barriers to entry are low.

Lesson for the Church – Make it easy for Millennials to engage in the positive things your church is doing.

MILLENNIALS FACILITATE (AND RELY ON) PEER INFLUENCE – Peer influence plays an important role in motivating Millennials to volunteer, attend events, participate in programs, and give. Even if Millennials can’t give as much as other demographic groups, they nonetheless are willing to help raise funds for causes they care about, usually by calling on friends and family.

Lesson for the Church – Help your attending Millennials connect their friends and family to what your church is doing.

MILLENNIALS VOLUNTEER ALONG A CONTINUUM OF SUPPORT – Millennials are most likely to get hands-on with causes they care about when organizations offer a range of volunteer opportunities, from one-time commitments to long-term, pro-bono skills-based opportunities. Ultimately, they want to lend their knowledge, expertise, and time to help nonprofits. And when this generation forms long-term volunteer relationships, they tend to give larger gifts, as well as encourage their friends and family to contribute, too.

Lesson for the Church – Find ways to engage Millennials with hands on involvement of your missions and ministries.

MILLENNIALS GIVE TO HAVE AN IMPACT – Millennials are consistent in their desire to see how dollars translate into people helped. They want their contributions, no matter the type or amount, to help achieve tangible results for a cause. Yes, members of this generation are more likely to give smaller amounts to multiple organizations than to focus their giving on any one recipient. But the stronger their relationship with an organization, the more likely they are to give larger gifts over time.

Lesson for the Church – Tell the story of what your church is accomplishing to make a positive difference in the world.

I remember my pastor, Tom Elliff, who now is president of the SBC’s International Mission Board saying, Christianity is always one generation away from extinction.”  While it may be true that overall we are losing Millennials that does not have to be the case at your church.  Act now to engage and reach the mission field that is right outside your door, Millennials.

Mark Brooks- The Stewardship Coach

Founder and President, The Charis Group and Charis Giving Solutions

To download a copy of the above data go to http://www.themillennialimpact.com/research

Also read The Barna Group’s post entitled “Three Spiritual Journeys,” here https://www.barna.org/barna-update/teens-nextgen/612-three-spiritual-journeys-of-millennials#.UelEqUGsi-0

Every week I give my members an offering talk that helps them connect the dots between giving and the faith action the church is accomplishing.  This allows them to better connect with Millennials.  As Brian Hughes says of these offering talks, “Connecting the dots every week makes all the difference.  Every single week, we say, “When you give, this is what you make happen here…” and we point to some kind of tangible difference being made at PCC.  You did that for us. “

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