Ruth Powell and Kathy Jacka, researchers with the National Church Life Survey, have written a paper on the different ways generations approach ‘church’, using results from the 2006 NCLS survey. They cover trends since 2001, a summary of generational similarities and differences, aspects of church most valued, vision for the future, hopes for the congregation or parish, and attitudes to innovation and change. Here’s a few excerpts from their article…
Generation Y More Positive
Higher proportions of Generation Y have made positive assessments in every area of church life than did the same age group five years ago. When all scores for all qualities are compared across each generation, it is evident that Generation Y has the highest score for seven out of nine qualities (growth in faith, worship, belonging, empowering leadership, innovation, faith-sharing, and inclusion). The score for commitment to a vision is only marginally lower. The one key exception is that Generation Y do not have the highest score for practical and diverse service.
Common ground and areas of difference
Regardless of personal preferences in relation to worship style, church size, or how various aspects of church life are conducted, all generations can speak of their positive, shared experiences of church. At the same, there are clear and significant differences between generations. The following examples show that, in many cases, these differences are to do with the question of “how church is done”.
Older generations are more likely to attend worship services weekly, prefer traditional styles of music in worship services, spend regular time in private devotional activity, have a strong sense of belonging to their denomination, be involved in church-based community service, justice or welfare activities, be involved in community-based service, care or welfare activities
Younger generations are more likely to be involved in small groups, prefer contemporary styles of music in worship services, feel that their gifts and skills are encouraged, have helped others in a range of informal ways, value outreach, be involved in evangelistic activities, and actually invite others to church, be newcomers to church life, have switched denominations or transferred congregations in the previous five years.
Openness to Change
Will they change as they age? Not likely! Some may hope that as younger attenders age, their preferences will change, to become more like those born pre WWII, who currently make up the majority of church attenders. While time will tell, the trends to date do not support the idea that younger generations will, en masse, decide that they like traditional worship or music. Even if the volume gets turned down, do not expect they will take up these styles of music.
While the differences in musical preferences are well known, the fact that younger generations have a significantly lower value of sharing of Holy Communion/the Eucharist may come as a surprise and even as a cause for concern. This issue requires further analysis and reflection.
See more on the paper at NCLS.