There are literally thousands of articles online about why the millennial generation is disillusioned with church, church culture and church politics. And while I applaud the attempt to wrap one’s head around the issue, I’ve noticed that most of the articles seem to be written by people who know nothing about the millennial generation. Weird.
I’ve talked with thousands of young people over the years who have told me, “I’m just sick of church.” I’ve heard everything under the sun when it comes to one’s reasonings for leaving, and I believe many of them carry a lot of heavy truth. Here are some of them …
1. “It’s not authentic.”
2. “It’s too corporate.”
3. “I don’t like the political side.”
4. “I feel like I can’t be open about my struggles.”
5. “I hate the cliques.”
6. “It’s too judgmental.”
7. “Their attempt at being relevant comes off as cheesy.”
8. “They don’t spend enough time outside of their building.”
9. “They aren’t really welcoming of people who are different from them.”
10. “They focus too much on what they know instead of who they are showing love to.”
And while I believe not all churches deal with the complaints I mentioned above, it’s safe to say there are many who probably do. That’s why I’m writing this. This needs to be discussed.
Authenticity Is Key
If churches want to see more millennials walk through their doors, they need to stop trying to entice them with free stuff, and instead allow their spaces to be filled with authentic relationships and transparent conversations. The Acts 2 church was a perfect example of this.
“And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” —Acts 2:42-46
Some people say there is a decline in millennial church attendance, while others say they don’t see much of a change at all. We must realize that just because millennials aren’t showing up to church buildings doesn’t mean they aren’t part of a thriving community of believers, or are without a biblical relationship with God.
Millennials aren’t looking for brighter lights. Millennials aren’t looking for more free coffee. They want Jesus-founded authenticity, a safe place to share burdens, real answers to real questions and a community of action.
