The Millennial generation has been a topic of interest for many years in regards to their church attendance and religious beliefs. A recent study by Barna Research provides insight into how Millennial church attendance has shifted during the pandemic, and what it means for the future of the Church.
Key Takeaways from the Study
- From 2019 to 2022, the percentage of Millennials reporting weekly church attendance increased from 21% to 39%, marking a shift in church attendance patterns.
- Millennials are more likely to attend multiple churches and embrace the hybrid option of online and in-person worship.
- Creating engaging online spaces for members to connect and build community is a key way to reach Millennials and other generations seeking online church options.
Millennial Church Attendance Grew During the Pandemic
The study highlights fluctuations in church attendance among all generations during the pandemic, but with a particular focus on Millennials. From 2019 to 2022, the percentage of Millennials reporting weekly church attendance increased from 21% to 39%. This growth in attendance, along with a decline in attendance among Boomers, marks a shift in church attendance patterns.
One interesting finding from the study is that Millennials are more likely to be "hoppers" - that is, they are more likely to have moved to a different church or attend multiple churches. This data serves as a reminder that while 61% of Christians who attended church pre-pandemic have continued to worship in the same place, there is still a significant portion of the population that is open to change and exploring different options.
Millennials are Embracing Hybrid and Online Church
The rise of digital church options has also changed the landscape of church attendance. One in five adults primarily attend church online, and one in four attend both online and in-person worship. Millennial adults are most likely to embrace the hybrid option of online and in-person worship.
Daniel Copeland, Associate Vice President of Research at Barna Group, notes that "Millennials currently make up the majority of the adult population and workforce" and are the "most racially, socially and culturally diverse generation in modern history." This data presents new opportunities for the health and future of the Church, and leaders should be open to something new.
This study provides valuable insight into the current reality of church attendance among Millennials and shows that there are new opportunities for growth and evolution within the Church. By understanding the changing landscape of church attendance and embracing new possibilities, the Church can continue to thrive and serve its communities for generations to come.
How Can Your Church Reach Millennials?
Accessibility is a key factor to expand your reach as a church. Providing convenient digital tools to access your church online makes your content accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time. This can be especially attractive to Millennials who are often seeking more flexible, on-demand options.
When building your digital tools, keep the user experience in mind. Make sure all facets of your online church are easy to navigate and interact with. Your digital platforms should provide a seamless and engaging experience for your members.
Another way to reach Millenials, and other generations looking for online church, is to design an online space for members to connect with one another and build community. Create engaging ways for members to connect and get involved in the church digitally. To learn more about building online community, check out Why Crossroads Built a Spiritual Fitness App Instead of Church App.
