There is a great article out from LifeWay Research today that explores the relationship between age groups and church attendance. There has been a lot of talk recently about the rise in church attendance in Gen Z. This fact has brought great excitement among church leaders, but the research reveals the younger age adults are more hesitant to make application of what they are being taught.
The article, Gen Z Churchgoers Attend More but Often Lag in Application, unpacks the findings of research done across four adult age groups 18 and older. Generation Z (18-28), Millennials (29-44), Generation X (45-60), Baby Boomers (61 and older), all scored the letter grade of D in the subject of Discipleship.
The findings report “The faith of Generation Z frequently draws them to church on Sunday but often fails to shape their lives during the week.” The report highlights eight signposts that measure characteristics evident in believers who are progressing in spiritual maturity. On a scale of 0-100, the average U.S. Protestant churchgoer scored 68.1 across all signposts. New generational analysis revealed the four adult generations scored similarly: Gen Z (65.6), millennials (68.5), Generation X (67.6) and baby boomers and older (67.6).
Unpacking each age group, one can see that application is lopsided according to age. The results run at an upward or downward angle in each category. This can be explained by the amount of life experience and the peer pressure variable as one ages. We all want to hear that we are not the only one struggling with application of a Biblical issue and that the lasting opinion of our peers diminishes over time. With this in mind the encouraging part of the report is the fact that each age group within a church needs each other! Chad Higgins, Lifeway’s senior manager of church equipping, says, “Older churchgoers should see this as an opportunity. I pray that we, as believers, do not fall into the cultural trap of generational finger-pointing but instead lean in and build meaningful relationships with this younger generation.”
This isn’t anything new. The Bible commands the local church to be aware of this and put into practice a model of mentorship and culture change when necessary. It is nice to have the research that backs this truth up! I encourage you to read the full article with graphs that help to illustrate this further.
Titus 2:3-5 tell us that older women are instructed to teach what is good and mentor younger women in their roles and responsibilities. 1 Peter 5:5 tells us that younger individuals are encouraged to submit to their elders, fostering a culture of respect and learning! And 1 Timothy 5 goes into great detail of how we are to relate to the different ages within the local church body and how we are to find our place at each stage in life to learn from and support the other ages. The facts are obvious and the command is clear. When a local church embraces its various responsibilities that come with age and life experience, we will know how best to make proper application at each stage. It also gives room for change where needed so that we as a Church can have the greatest impact on the evolving culture at each generation.
Today, look more closely how your age and life experience helps build your local church. Take responsibility for where God has you, not only locally but within the generation you were born. ALL of us have a very important part to play together in seeing those around us come to Christ and grow in their faith!
Serving the Savior,
Bro. Jonathan
The article, Gen Z Churchgoers Attend More but Often Lag in Application, unpacks the findings of research done across four adult age groups 18 and older. Generation Z (18-28), Millennials (29-44), Generation X (45-60), Baby Boomers (61 and older), all scored the letter grade of D in the subject of Discipleship.
The findings report “The faith of Generation Z frequently draws them to church on Sunday but often fails to shape their lives during the week.” The report highlights eight signposts that measure characteristics evident in believers who are progressing in spiritual maturity. On a scale of 0-100, the average U.S. Protestant churchgoer scored 68.1 across all signposts. New generational analysis revealed the four adult generations scored similarly: Gen Z (65.6), millennials (68.5), Generation X (67.6) and baby boomers and older (67.6).
Unpacking each age group, one can see that application is lopsided according to age. The results run at an upward or downward angle in each category. This can be explained by the amount of life experience and the peer pressure variable as one ages. We all want to hear that we are not the only one struggling with application of a Biblical issue and that the lasting opinion of our peers diminishes over time. With this in mind the encouraging part of the report is the fact that each age group within a church needs each other! Chad Higgins, Lifeway’s senior manager of church equipping, says, “Older churchgoers should see this as an opportunity. I pray that we, as believers, do not fall into the cultural trap of generational finger-pointing but instead lean in and build meaningful relationships with this younger generation.”
This isn’t anything new. The Bible commands the local church to be aware of this and put into practice a model of mentorship and culture change when necessary. It is nice to have the research that backs this truth up! I encourage you to read the full article with graphs that help to illustrate this further.
Titus 2:3-5 tell us that older women are instructed to teach what is good and mentor younger women in their roles and responsibilities. 1 Peter 5:5 tells us that younger individuals are encouraged to submit to their elders, fostering a culture of respect and learning! And 1 Timothy 5 goes into great detail of how we are to relate to the different ages within the local church body and how we are to find our place at each stage in life to learn from and support the other ages. The facts are obvious and the command is clear. When a local church embraces its various responsibilities that come with age and life experience, we will know how best to make proper application at each stage. It also gives room for change where needed so that we as a Church can have the greatest impact on the evolving culture at each generation.
Today, look more closely how your age and life experience helps build your local church. Take responsibility for where God has you, not only locally but within the generation you were born. ALL of us have a very important part to play together in seeing those around us come to Christ and grow in their faith!
Serving the Savior,
Bro. Jonathan
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