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One Generation From Extinction: How to Reach Millennials

Millennials, those born between 1980 and 2000, are the largest segment in America, totaling 80 million.  

Pew Research recently released data showing that one in three, or 32 percent 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 percent of these once-active Millennials drop out of regular church attendance—that amounts to eight million twenty-somethings 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 are 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.