Ep. 307 - Why Millennials Are Leaving the Church: The Hard Truth No One Wants to Hear

Millennials leaving the church raises important questions. Some may wonder if their departure reflects a lack of genuine faith. Faith based on other people rather than a relationship with God can easily falter. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar encourage believers to stir one another up in the faith while many are becoming disillusioned with the church in our current culture. The failure of church leadership, fallen pastors, and hypocrisy have turned many against Christianity. At the same time, society has grown skeptical of authority, leading to a shift where people exchange one belief system for another—replacing Christianity with politics, entertainment, or other man made religions.

Hypocrisy within the church is often pointed out, and while it's important to acknowledge this, we are reminded that everyone will give an account to God. Christians, however, have the grace to admit their faults and repent. Integrity in God's eyes comes through repentance. There’s also the issue of the modern church’s frivolity. Millennials have high expectations for authenticity. While larger, entertainment-driven churches may be losing members, smaller traditional churches are growing, offering a more grounded, relational approach to faith. Millennials crave genuine community, but they often see the church as existing for itself rather than for others. True fellowship, as modeled in the early church, is a communal way of living that goes beyond a Sunday gathering.

One challenge for younger generations is that older generations often look down on them, which can drive them away. Instead, the church needs to engage millennials, offering them a seat at the table. They need to feel known, loved, and valued in a gospel-centered community, not just attend a service led by a polished preacher. Authentic leadership fosters a dynamic church community. Rather than waiting for Millenials to come to church, believers must take the church to them, proclaiming the gospel. Sound doctrine is essential, as it safeguards faith, and Millennials are hungry for it. Preachers should focus less on growing the church and more on being the church—leading by example and letting the word of God do its work.

For those who have left the church, it’s essential to examine why. You won’t find a perfect church, but look for one with authentic community and sound teaching. God doesn’t change—He is righteous. The heart of the church recognizes that we are all sinners in need of grace. Corporate worship is for God’s people, and it’s through this gathering that we grow in our faith.

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Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro