By Barry Gibson and Christopher Sarver, TGC.
Young adults are disappearing from our churches at an alarming rate. In 2023, nearly 4 in 10 claimed no religious affiliation, and many raised in Christian homes disengage from the church before age 30. These trends grieve pastors and leaders who long to “tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done” (Ps. 78:4).
Against this backdrop of dispiriting long-term data, some recent studies suggest a growing spiritual interest on the part of younger people, with accompanying increases in church attendance. It’s too early to say if the decades-long decline in young-adult church participation is slowing or even reversing. Nonetheless, church leaders may face an opportunity to respond to what God is doing among young adults in ways that counter disengagement trends.
In this moment, many congregations feel stuck, unsure where to begin, unaware of the cultural and developmental complexities shaping young adults, or simply resigned to discouraging trends. But there’s hope. We identified “magnetic churches” across the country—congregations experiencing unusual fruitfulness in their ministries to young adults. Their witness is clear: Reaching emerging adults is possible when churches embrace a prayerful, biblical, and gospel-centered posture.
From this study, we found six strategic moves that offer a path forward for young-adult ministry in your church.
1. Come to terms with reality.
Faithful ministry begins with embracing reality. As Derek Melleby observes, “In order to help young people develop a lasting faith, the church needs to have an understanding of the cultural conditions in which young people live.” Unfortunately, many congregations, including pastors, are unfamiliar with the lived realities of today’s twentysomethings. How do we correct this?