Reviving the Church: Building Bridges with the Next Generation

There has been a noticeable decline in church attendance among younger generations, largely because many in these groups don’t trust authority. Unlike their parents and grandparents, they’re skeptical of institutions that were once considered pillars of trust. Why? Several factors contribute to this shift—years of abuse, misuse of power, and scandals involving deception, exploitation, and corruption have eroded faith in these institutions.

Additionally, Gen Z are the children of Millennials—a generation that disrupted nearly every industry from taxis to hospitality. Millennials redefined how the world operates, so it’s no surprise that their children are just as eager to challenge the status quo.

The real issue isn’t a desire for something different—it’s the absence of viable alternatives. If the hotel industry had adapted to meet consumer demands, companies like Airbnb might never have found such success. The same principle applies to churches. To attract young people, churches must first seek to understand them, then adapt to their needs. This presents a challenge for an institution built on tradition and maintaining the status quo. However, without adaptation, churches risk alienating newer generations altogether.

Both Gen Z and Millennials value transparency and honesty, and their expectations are no different when it comes to worship. Churches—and especially their leaders—must be open to questioning and dialogue. They need to create spaces where young people feel safe to express doubts, ask questions, and seek clarity. Beyond Sunday services, churches should offer smaller groups focused on real-life issues like relationships, work, marriage, and parenting.

In short, churches shouldn’t just be places to discuss abstract ideas—they should help people apply these ideas practically in their daily lives.

To bridge the gap with younger generations, churches can start by leveraging technology through live-streamed services, interactive social media engagement, and podcasts that address relevant topics. They can create mentorship programs that connect older members with younger ones, fostering intergenerational dialogue and understanding. Hosting workshops or panels on mental health, social justice, or career development would also resonate deeply with Gen Z and Millennials. Most importantly, churches should cultivate an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, questions are welcomed, and actions reflect the values they preach. These steps can help the church become a relevant, trusted space for the next generation.