They’re not actually leaving the church. Instead, they are leaving the organizational institute that our culture deems “The Church.”
1. They Find It Hard To Fit In.
The twentieth century’s structure of “The Church” is not something that appeals to many of their cause based, non-profit, grassroots, be my own boss, entrepreneurial lifestyles. The idea of combining Jesus and business is something I feel turns many young people away from the crux of it’s purpose. I’m not saying it’s wrong, but I am saying it’s a huge factor in why many are stepping away from what others would call corporate gatherings. They feel as if they don’t fit in.
2. They Claim It’s Tough To Connect
Many claim that The Church is giving answers to questions young people aren’t even asking. Millennials are looking for connection, but it seems many of them are finding it tough to get plugged into a group or community that relates to their current stage of life. This is one of the reasons I am so passionate about reaching this age group. I feel that there is a missing link between high school and what others would call “big church.” And while many might disagree with this statement, I would reference the lack of young adults in our churches to prove my point. Something needs to change.
3. They Yearn For Organic Community Vs. Organized Community
You can’t force me to hang out with anyone, let alone put me into a group of people who I have nothing in common with, and then expect me to do life with them. My wife and I have experienced this personally. While I firmly believe that community groups are one of the most important pieces to any church, I can also see why many young people don’t find them interesting.
Millennials are looking for organic forms of community and worship! And while many churches might be trying to offer something that reflects this image, the truth of the matter is that organic cannot be manufactured. So who’s in the wrong? It’s a matter of opinion to be honest. I see many young people leaving the church because their brains aren’t wired for this type of organizational structure. But while this might be the case for many young individuals, I also believe anyone can find community if they try hard enough.
4. They Are Turned Off By Corporate Gatherings.
There is nothing wrong with church buildings. In fact, churches utilizing buildings to help the needy, house community events, and gather for corporate worship is a beautiful example of embracing culture for the sake of The Gospel. Many of today’s millennials however see church buildings as corporate affiliation, which has rerouted many of them to embrace house churches and smaller gatherings of faith.
My passion is to see more young people in the church, no matter what type of “church” this refers to. I believe there are many churches in today’s world that are doing an incredible job at reaching the next-generation of faith, but I also see a need for equipping other churches on how to better reach this generation. Regardless of your age, everyone is called to find community with believers, no matter the size.
Source - Jarrid Wilson blog
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