Want to hear something odd?
There is a tech startup in Silicon Valley that is seeking to meet the needs of the “spiritual but not religious” crowd, and their founder, Tara-Nicholle Nelson, thinks there is a big market for this kind of service, particularly among Millennials. Nelson doesn’t want to start a church, and her vision is not specific to any religious tradition, but wants her phone app to be a means of therapy, or “soul comfort.”
Read MoreBurlap “exists to help churches reach Millennials and Generation Z by weaving new stories of faith and culture.” We’re here to help pastors, congregations, and other church leaders connect with emerging generations and invite them into a life with God. That’s why we exist. We want to be obedient to Jesus and make disciples of all people, including those who, at present, aren’t all that interested in Christianity.
Read MoreThis blog post is the second in a series on how churches can think creatively about addressing the needs of Generation Z. We are using Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as a springboard to consider how Christians can assess and address the physical, emotional, social, and aspirational needs of emerging generations, moving from the basics on up to the need for self-fulfillment.
Read MoreThere’s an expression that goes, “Jesus came to earth to build his kingdom, and all he got was this lousy Church.” I find this poignant because many of my Millennial friends are greatly drawn to the concept of the kingdom of God, but find little hope within the institutional Church.
Read MoreGenerally, I have no problem being grouped in with my generational peers. We are dealt a lot of criticism from other generations, but for the most part we laugh it off and take it in stride. Millennials are used to being accused of “ruining” everything from diamonds to brunch to chain restaurants. Yet, I struggle with the claim that Millennials have “ruined” the church.
Read MoreMarilyn McEntyre has written a fabulous essay appearing in the Fall 2017 edition of Comment entitled, “Choosing Church.” You can read the article online here. Taking part in a church fellowship is a choice, one that is seldom made among Millennials and Generation Z. Why should one choose to take part in the life of a local body of followers of Christ?
Read MoreA few weeks ago I was searching for a car and went to the Honda dealership. I walked around, looking for a used car that fit within my budget and found nothing. When I asked the dealer about it, he politely informed me that Hondas hold their value—so they don’t incentivize purchases. People who want Honda cars want them because of the reputation, and they’re willing to spend more for them.
Read MoreDo millennials in your congregation practice the tithe? Do they give at all? If not, what would it take to get them involved?
Read MoreA year ago I walked into our church’s young adult ministry and found less then ten people meeting on a regular basis. We’re a church of thousands. And there were 10. On a good day. Around 15 years ago, our young adult ministry was thriving. From what I can piece together, between the congregation aging and some heavy turnover with leadership of the program, it simply faded. Sound familiar?
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