Church Growth and Generation X and Y

Generation X and Y are seemingly at the forefront of all industries recruiting efforts. As Baby Boomers, who are most likely the majority of your church's members, grow settled in their respective communities and churches, churches are looking to younger generations to fill their pews. However, attracting this audience will call for a break from the traditional. Generation X and Y require a different approach that focuses on action and technology.

Generation Y's (born 1980-1997), are referred to as the most tech savvy generation. They are the avid Facebook users, are constantly text messaging, and have their lives saved to hard drives. A survey by Forrester's 2008 North America Technographics Benchmark reported the following statistics:

• 90% of Gen Y own a computer
• 82% own a mobile phone
• 72% of Generation Y mobile phone users send or receive SMS messages
• They spend more time online than they do watching television, with 42% watching online video at least once per month.

Generation X's (born 1965-1979) share similar technological savvy.

• During the past three months, 69 per cent of Generation X's have shopped online and 65 per cent used online banking-more than any other group
• 21% of Gen X are now reading a blog once per month compared to 15% last year
• 61% of mobile subscribers text compared to 49% in 2007

Thus, technology carries over to ever part of their lives. Generation X and Y expect their jobs, politicians, and churches to be as technologically advanced as they are. In order to attract these generations, your church should evaluate its technological capabilities. Do you have a website? If so, does it work properly? Instead of the traditional mailed letters that you may have instituted during direct mail campaigns, have you set up a Facebook account? Can one download your church's sermons? Generation X and Y find these types of strategies appealing. Increasing your technological capabilities will show the younger generations that they are welcome to your church.

In addition to technology, younger generations also want opportunities to make a change. Unlike, earlier generations that were content with providing financial donations to charitable causes, generation X and Y would prefer to take action. X's and Y's are passionate about social justice, have a burning desire to make a difference and donate more time to charitable causes than any other generation in history[1]. This group is responsible for the dramatic rise in volunteer vacations, spending weeks at a time building shelters for the homeless, preserving the nation's hiking trails and mentoring at-risk children. Therefore, churches should focus on providing hands-on outreach programs for this generation. Allow them to put the Word to action.

Churches must consider the desires of the younger generation as programs are planned, sermons articulated, worship experiences created and marketing collateral developed. Responding to the needs of the younger generation should prove favorable to your church's future growth.

[1] Johnson, Carol. Don't Forget Your Gen X's and Y's. www.churchsolutionsmag.com