Ministry News

Believing in a Nonbelieving Generation

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Tuesday, 31 March 2009 10:30

Defying their reputation as an increasingly "godless" generation, non-churchgoing 20-somethings are more likely to adhere to core Christian beliefs than those 30 years and older who do not attend church.

According to a new study of 1,400 unchurched respondents conducted by LifeWay Research, 20-somethings are more likely than the 30-plus crowd to believe in the God of the Bible, the resurrection of Jesus and the uniqueness of the Christian God. They're also more interested than their older counterparts in hearing more about Christianity.

The report found that 80 percent of unchurched 20-somethings believe in God (compared to 72 percent among those 30 and older), and 57 percent believe there is only one God, as described in the Bible (compared to 47 percent of older adults). That same 10 percent difference existed when both groups were asked if there was a difference between the God of the Bible and the gods of other religions-with the younger set more apt to affirm a biblical view of God.

When it comes to Christianity's core principle-the resurrection of Jesus Christ-two-thirds of non-churchgoers in their 20s believe in the biblical account, while only 54 percent of those older and unchurched believe.

Jason Hayes, a young adult ministry specialist at LifeWay, said the study's findings go against "much of what we've read, heard and even told ourselves" regarding a younger generation of nonbelievers. The truth, he said, is that "they are open to Christianity." But Hayes also recognizes a difference between the two groups in how each views the church. Although younger non-churchgoers may line up to more core Christian beliefs, 40 percent believe the church wouldn't approve of their lifestyle choices (compared to 30 percent among those older).

"Churches wanting to connect with this [younger] generation need to be informed and prepared," Hayes said. "The world is watching, and young adults are looking to see a real and authentic faith from Christians. It's not enough for the church to simply believe the right things. Our actions must be connected to these convictions as well."