I just read an article that talks about some research that was done suggesting that, contrary to popular opinion, the vast majority of younger church attenders attend megachurches (churches with an average of 2000 or more attenders) rather than non-megachurches. I suppose it shouldn't be that surprising, but in recent years, there has been alot written by folks who've suggested that the new, upcoming, "postmodern" generation is tired of the megachurch model of their baby-boomer parents and they're ready for closer, more intimate, more "authentic" fellowship when they go to church.
According to this research, that thinking is ridiculous. "Nearly two-thirds of megachurch attenders are under 45, double the numbers in Protestant congregations of all sizes. The vast majority are between 18 and 44." That's pretty amazing when you consider the fact that the average attender age in a protestant church is 53! Young people gravitate toward megachurches, not smaller more intimate churches.
Now, the big question is why . . . Why do younger people like their churches BIG? Is it a quality issue (bigger means better music, more programs, facilities, speakers, etc.), an anonymity issue (it's easier to slip in and out of a megachurch without being noticed), an enthusiasm issue (bigger means the church leaders must have a compelling vision)? It's hard to say.
Comments