Tom Rainer in a recent article presents 5 major trends that local churches in America are seriously facing.
1. Our nation will see the emergence of the largest generational mission field in over a century. According to our current research, the Millennial generation, those born between 1980 and 2000, will have a very low Christian representation. Our estimates now are that only 15 percent are Christian. With a huge population of nearly 80 million, that means that nearly 70 million young people are not Christians.
2. The dominant attitude of this huge generation toward Christianity will be largely indifferent. Only 13 percent of the Millennials rank any type of spiritual matter as important to their lives. They are not angry at churches and Christians. They simply ignore us because they do not deem us as meaningful or relevant.
3. Senior adult ministries in churches will experience steep declines. As the large Baby Boomer generation moves into their older years, they will resist any suggestion that they are senior adults, no matter how senior they may be. Unfortunately, many churches are slow to adapt to new realities. If they do senior adult ministry the way they’ve always done it, it will be headed for failure.
4. The large Boomer generation will become more receptive to the gospel. Our data is anecdotal for now, but we are seeing indications that the Boomers may actually become more interested in spiritual matters in general, and Christianity specifically. If so, this trend will be counter to other trends where adults tend to become less receptive to the gospel as they age. The Baby Boomers have tried it all and found no joy. They may likely turn to the hope of the gospel.
5. Family will be a key value for both of the large generations. For the Millennials, family is their most important value. Nearly 8 out of 10 Millennials ranked family as the important issue in their lives. They told us that they had healthy relationships with their parents who, for the most part, are Baby Boomers. Some churches say they are family friendly, but few actually demonstrate that value. Churches that reach both of these generations will make significant changes to become the type of churches that foster healthy family relationships. HT
Unpresented Trends provide Unparallel Opportunities
1. How will you reach the "firsts" among the millennials?
In my experience one of the most receptive times in a individuals life is when they experience the life transition from young adulthood to a young parent. There is the "first" of marriage, first real job, first mortgage and first child. How is your church attracting and keeping the "firsts" in your community.
2. How will you aid boomers in finding significance?
Another excellence time to reach or engage people is during the empty nest transition. As leaders we need to take a close look at our membership list and set up appointments with those in their fifties, sixties & seventies helping them make strategic investments of their time and resources for the advancement of the kingdom. One pastor I know of spends his summers setting up appointments with his significant givers who are not engaged in service. The results of these conversations leads to deeper engagement and also increased financial committment as they understand their value to the mission.
As a pastor I saw many individuals in this age bracket who were far from God discover the liberating joy of Jesus. Many of them discribed themselves as "topped out" vs "bottom out." Financially and professionally secure but lacking any sense of spiritual security and significance. This age group is asking the same questions as they did when they were in the late teens and early twenties but only after living life and achieving some level of success in lives.
3. How will you engage unchurched and dechurched families in community service?
One of the side benefits for being involved in community service projects is it can prove to be one of the best ways to engage and connect the unchurched with the church. It is also a great way to connect the multiple generations. For more insights on this strategy check out withreach.com
Tom Rainer offers a concluding challenge:
"We believe these trends may indeed become reality. They admittedly do focus only on two generations, but these two groups are the largest two generations in America’s history. They cannot be ignored. Trend projecting is a meaningless exercise if it fails to engender action. Ultimately each local church must determine where God is leading the congregation. In the case of the five trends noted here, the opportunities seem significant. May the response of Christians and churches be nothing less than radical obedience." (HT)
