I recently read a critique of the Church by a millennial who was trying to explain why only a small percentage of his generation attended services. That same day, I was also informed that a national Bible study group was raising red flags because only 2% of its members were from the millennial generation. The implied notion from the millennial was that soon the Church was going to be extinct and the Bible study group was concerned it was going to dry up.
Forgive me, but I think the first century Church would have been thrilled if only a few percent of any generation would show up. Of course, they didn’t have to be alarmed at numbers—they didn’t have social media and cable. How in the world did they ever grow into the Church that we see today?
The millennial in question actually came up with a list of reasons (that sounded more like demands) why millennials weren’t connecting. As I recall, most items on the list had to do with the Church changing something—not millennials. I appreciate all of the concern, but I’ve read the book. Here are a few highlights of what’s going to happen.
Throughout scripture, God has always blessed a remnant of His people and been intimately involved in their future. He has loved the remnant and had a special presence in and made provision for the remnant. The Church isn’t going away. The Church is being the Church. Read the book. God doesn’t want anyone to perish. His free gift of grace is available to all who would come to Him. “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (see Matthew 7:14).
Besides, why would anyone want organized religion to get in the way of their faith or belief in Jesus Christ? That’s why He’s called a personal God and your faith is personal. God Himself places flashing yellow lights throughout His book when it comes to organized religion. And, I think He will determine what happens to His Church. As for this millennial, anyone who conflates the ideas of Church attendance and personal faith needs to get into God’s book—soon.
It’s up to each and every one of us to decide for ourselves whether or not we will follow Christ and then forsake the assembling of ourselves together, something Hebrews 10:25 tells us NOT to do. If millennials are waiting for the perfect Church, here’s some “breaking news”—there are not perfect people and, hence, no perfect Churches.
If I’ve just hurt your feelings, then that’s called tough love. I’ve been hurt by the Church many times. But these events in my history with the Church haven’t prevented me from attending Church and Bible studies four nights a week in some cases. I teach for a Christian university. I hunger and thirst for His word. Such is life on the “sanctification superhighway.” Won’t you join me out here?
If you’re in any generation that is dismayed with the Church, there’s nothing the Church is going to be able to do for you. All you need was done for you already—on the cross. If you’re looking for something else in a Church, you’re not focusing on that cross. Find a Church and go there. Whether 2% or 4% or whatever the number, everyone needs Jesus and God’s word says we should assemble with other believers. That’s where you’ll find me and I’ll happily greet you there.