The Future of the Church & Giving: A Millennial's Perspective
Guest Writer: Rachel Rupert
In a previous article, we’ve talked about how the Church is missing out on the greatest transfer of wealth that we have ever seen. I recently came across pretty disturbing statistics about giving in the church, specifically with the younger generation.
Currently, only 10-25% of congregations tithe.
Here’s the breakdown by age:
Baby boomers (1946-1954) account for nearly 42% of the giving population (30% of overall population)
GenX (1965-1980) account for 19% of giving population (26.6% of overall population)
GenY (1981-1997) account for 7% of giving population (30.4% of overall population)
Do you see the problem?
60% of millennials do give to nonprofits, but it’s very clear they are not giving to the church.
What’s more, many who do give to the church don’t have a clear understanding of tithing, and as a result give significantly less on an inconsistent basis.
As a millennial, I think about the future of our church and the generations to come. With only 7% of millennials giving, and only 10% of congregations currently tithing, what will churches look like when I reach middle age and retirement in the next 20 to 50 years?
The message of stewardship and generosity is fundamental to the success of our churches and congregations.
It’s not just church finances at stake; it’s the health and peace of our people, as well as their personal success.
I’m in my late twenties, and it’s common to have conversations with friends or hear acquaintances talk about financial struggles. Debt is common and usually overwhelming in number. Monthly car payments, mortgages, and credit card statements are normal for many, and unrelenting. It’s a sad, recurring joke to see grown young adults talk about how their bank account is down to the single digits as they await their next paycheck. There is usually no talk of a savings account, unless it’s that the limited amount has been depleted. No one wants to live this way, yet it is all too common.
Contrast this financial reality to the materialistic mindset of the very same people. While they struggle to pay bills, they rush to purchase the latest big item, whether it’s the new PS5, the latest version of Apple products, or an endless list of items available at the tap of a button on Amazon.
We buy, buy, buy.
We don’t plan for the future.
And neither does the church…
The current rise of the megachurch has been made possible by large congregations made up of consistent tithers and extravagant givers. Building campaigns and capital campaigns have funded these beautiful campuses that are well furnished and well-staffed. But let’s look at the demographics. These megachurches are getting older, and young people are less involved in the church.
If current trends continue, the church is going to face significant challenges in the years to come.
Our role as leaders
What we see in these statistics and giving trends is a lack of commitment on both ends. Churches have yet to adapt to the younger generation. Church leaders grow older, and their messages are less relevant to this generation. The reality is, the younger generation is facing things that no generation has ever dealt with before. Technology is so integrated into our lifestyle, and social media is a huge part of our everyday lives. Many of our current senior pastors don’t even manage their own social media accounts. They do not understand many of the pressures and realities of our younger generation, and it shows.
Additionally, many young adults struggle with the current church culture.
There has been far too much corruption, moral failings, and political agendas pushed from the pulpit. There is a growing mistrust that the church is unable to use its giving for worthwhile purposes. When millennials are struggling to pay their bills, it seems almost comical to give to a church where the senior pastor is raking in a six-figure salary.
It makes sense then that young adults aren’t financially committed to the church, especially when many are inconsistent attenders. When it’s just as easy to peruse YouTube for some quick worship sets or powerful sermons, why drive to a church of middle-aged members and listen to a recycled message?
We must invest.
If we ever hope to see a change in the younger generation, we must invest in them with intentionality. The biggest threat to our future is apathy; it’s not enough to just look out for our own interests, comfort, and wealth. We must consider what legacy we are leaving behind. 2 Kings 20 gives us a sobering reminder of a poor leader and his refusal to consider the future.
Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord: 1The time will certainly come when everything in your palace and all that your fathers have stored up until this day will be carried off to Babylon; nothing will be left,’ says the Lord. ‘Some of your descendants who come from you will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs or court officials in the palace of the king of Babylon.’ ”
Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good,” for he thought: Why not, if there will be peace and security during my lifetime?
(2 Kings 20:16-19)
Following Hezekiah’s reign was Judah’s most violent and sinful king.
2 Kings 21:9 says, 'But they did not listen; Manasseh caused them to stray so that they did greater evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites.’ It also goes on to say that “Manasseh also shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem with it from one end to another.” (v. 16)
What would have happened if, instead of looking at his own security, Hezekiah had prepared the way for the next generation? Instead of destruction, perhaps there would have been tremendous restoration, prosperity, and peace.
What’s at stake for us if we do nothing to prepare for the next generation?
What could be if you began the work now of bringing forth a generation of Christ-followers that don’t just attend church but invest in it spiritually and financially?
I believe that this upcoming generation is full of passion and authenticity. Millennials and younger are quick to understand, passionate about implementing change, and willing to put time and effort into learning about something they care about. Instead of allowing the love of the Church to die out, we should be sowing into them. The harvest is ripe.
It starts with you.
If you’re reading this, you have a chance to change the culture and shape the future. Lead by example. Model good stewardship. Model authentic Christianity. Practice what you preach, but preach it - the real, transparent, everyday struggles. We don’t have it all together, and we want to know that Church is a place where that’s okay and where we can go to find some answers.
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