Trevin Wax has just finished going through the new book by Robert Wuthnow “After the Baby Boomers: How Twenty- and Thirty-Somethings are Shaping the Future of American Religion” chapter by chapter, his thoughts on the book are definitely worth the read. You might even want to go and read the book after you check the review series out…
What are the characteristics of congregations that are attracting young adults? Wuthnow defines a youthful congregation as one in which at least 35 percent of its regularly attending adults are below the age of 35. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Generally, youthful congregations are not as established. 30% of them have been founded since 1970. Young people are more likely to go to new congregations than older ones. Yet this is not always the case. Congregations do not have to be brand new. Nor do they need to have innovative worship styles to attract young adults.
- Youthful congregations tend to be larger.
- Youthful congregations appeal to populations that have many young adults.
Regarding worship styles, Wuthnow’s research may surprise you. Young adults are increasingly less likely to want the contemporary worship of the boomer generation. They think church services should “feel like church.” Young adults are more often interested in preserving traditional worship than changing it.
Chapter 01 An Uncertain Future
Chapter 02 Changing Life Worlds
Chapter 04 The Major Faith Traditions
Chapter 05 Trends in Religious Beliefs
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