In today’s society, it can be easy to wonder where all the church-goers have gone. After the pandemic in 2020, many people who went to church never came back. However, is it just because people got used to the comfort of their homes on Sunday morning, or is there another reason why people have fled the church?
Here are seven reasons why the next generation is abandoning the church.
- Modern American society is about a lifestyle of hustle and bustle.
From hobbies, health, jobs and the desire to seek spirituality on their own, our culture does not make community within a church priority.
Whether some have experienced prior church hurt and pain from others in spiritual communities, or simply find themselves busy, it is hard for many people to find the time to join a church and plant deep roots there. With more people moving and working from various locations today than they did years ago, it can be difficult to find true community in the brick-and-mortar church building. With our digital age, it can be easier to catch a sermon online than it is to fit time for church into an already full schedule. This core issue doesn’t just affect church, but many other elements in our culture as well. Unless this part of society changes, it will continue to be difficult to get people to view church attendance differently.
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- America has become more diverse.
Our nation has become more diverse over the years, and not everyone feels that the church today is conducive to an array of different views and backgrounds. Churches that have been set up around the idea of middle-class America are not as appealing to this next generation because they have grown up differently. With more Gen Zers coming from single parent families, immigrant parents, the next generation wants other global perspectives considered. Looking at Scripture from a classic, American perspective is too one-dimensional for this next generation. Perhaps discussion on persecution and the eternal value of the gospel would be more meaningful for this generation than the feel-good messages of the past.
- Deep questions have been avoided for years.
Deep theological questions about the Bible and the troubles we see in our world today have been avoided or glazed over with phrases like “The Bible tells me so.” While this kind of faith is necessary as Jesus asks us to have the faith of a child, it can be difficult to simply accept some things, especially for those seeking out God for the first time. Having someone actually answer, or attempt to answer questions is a key for what many are looking for.
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- The handling of LGBTQ communities has given Christianity a bitter taste for many Gen Zers.
Gen Z has been told lies about themselves from the public school system and society for years now, and these views are now etched in their minds. Many are now questioning if they were even born into the right body or are questioning if they are attracted to the same sex. Unfortunately, instead of reminding them that they were made in the image of God, the church has pointed out the sin without discussing the One who can wash away the sin.
Learning how to discuss why Jesus desires us to turn away from sin and how He can fill us and change us for the good is what this generation is desiring, whether they fully realize it or not.
- Scandals and prosperity gospel woes have turned people away from seeking Christianity.
Church scandals and prosperity gospel practices have highlighted some of the biggest failures of the faith. Church is meant to be a safe place, but no one wants to go to church if they feel that they may be violated and taken advantage of. While all have fallen short of the glory of God, Christians are meant to be striving towards a holy, righteous life. If we want people to come to church, we have to show them that we as the church are willing to love our neighbors as ourselves.
- Changing family dynamics have shifted people away from church.
Less people are now getting married and having families. This makes it easier for people to seek out relationship and communion with God alone instead of relying on the church community. However, church is meant to be a place for all people. Instead of making families alone feel welcomed at church, Christian communities need to see the value of all who walk through a sanctuary’s front doors.
- Churches feel like a step back in time for many young people.
While the over-the-top seeker-friendly churches aren’t necessarily doing the trick for the next generation, many still feel like most churches are outdated. When it comes to values, some may have a lack of biblical understanding, however, the approach in which the next generation is seeking information is different from previous generations.
While it can be disheartening to see a next generation acting so rebellious in the topic of church-going, the truth here is that what they are looking for is the authentic reality of the gospel. What they need isn’t just hearing a good message that makes them feel good for five minutes, but instead, they need a place to steward and cultivate a relationship with Jesus worth having. To know Him intimately, and to see the love of Him poured out through those around them. The early church leaders gave an example in Acts of what the church should look like. Perhaps its time to get back to this core gospel message.
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
Stephen Strang