Church Membership and Generation Z

Are you a member of your church? For older generations, this may seem like a benign question. But for Generation Z, it becomes a bit more loaded. As your church looks to engage Generation Z, you may want to consider the benefits of a memberless-model of participation. Here are few reasons why:

Distrust of Religious Institutions

In the 2020 Springtide State of Religion & Young People Report, 52% of 13 to 25 year olds that claim a religious affiliation say they have little to no trust in organized religion. So even young people that are inclined toward religious participation might be wary of joining in as members of their religious institution. According to the same study, on a scale of 1 to 10, young people overall rated their trust in organized religion as a 4.9. For Generation Z, it does not make much sense to become a member of an organization that they do not trust.

In and Out Systems of Membership

Generation Z views membership as an outdated system where some people are “in” and others are “out.” Often, the “in” members must complete certain requirements such as signing a covenant agreement, taking a membership class, or agreeing to make financial contributions, which some people may not be able to commit to. Ultimately, this system of membership creates boundaries and cliques, which Generation Z views as exclusive and hierarchical, and they are naturally disinclined toward “insider” and “outsider” models of governance.

Nothing Compelling About Membership

Many churches afford certain privileges or “perks” for their members: only members can vote in church gatherings or serve on church councils or committees. However, to a Gen Zer who is disinterested in church politics or polity, there is nothing exciting about serving on a church board or committee, and they probably will not be showing up to your next all-church meeting anyway. For Generation Z, if there is not a compelling reason for them to become a member of your church, they have no motivation to join. 

Non-Members Still Feel Welcome

In the aforementioned Springtide study, even non-religiously affiliated 13 to 25 year olds often feel comfortable attending religious services: 19% had been to religious gatherings at least once a month in the last year. As a church, when you eliminate a system of membership, you might actually be more welcoming to Gen Zers who do not claim a particular religious affiliation. They know that they are always welcome in your congregation, and they do not need to be a member to worship, belong, serve, or give.

 Create Other Markers of Belonging

When you move away from an official membership roster at your church, you can begin to create other ways for people to feel like they belong to your community. When people are ready to commit to your church on a deeper level, challenge them to volunteer weekly, give financially, or serve through missions opportunities. Generation Z is driven by purpose and meaning, not by outdated systems of association, and they will better connect with these other outlets of commitment and belonging to your church community.