Weekly Insights
What church leaders need to know about young people, trying new things, and the internet.
Stat of the day:
83% of young people (ages 13-39) say that when they’re trying something new that they’ve never tried before, they research how to do it online first.
Why it matters:
Many churches, especially in mainline traditions, are seeking ways to make their congregations more welcoming to young people in the hopes of stabilizing the demographic decline of recent decades. Since so many of these young people turn first to the internet before trying anything new (or visiting new places!), churches might consider updating their websites or providing more information online about what they do and how they do it. That way, when people find their church online, they can get a better idea of what it’s actually like and what they might expect.
Though churches that are more resource-strapped might see this as just another good idea that they can’t afford, there are some low-tech things that churches can do that do not cost as much as a professional videographer and sound technician. For example, many churches post their Sunday bulletins online in advance so that those following along from home can do so more easily. Though often published online as a pastoral support to those who cannot physically get to church for health or other reasons, these bulletins provide a helpful overview of the congregation’s worship life and liturgy that might orient newcomers who would like to attend but are anxious about what to expect.
Consider this:
If most young people who are considering a church visit to someplace new will check out that church’s website in advance, what do our online platforms say about our community? Are we providing information about what the community is actually like, and how our rhythms of worship generally proceed? If so, how? Is it through video only, or are there other features (short, explanatory essays or links to other sources) that might help orient a curious web-visitor? What information does our online presence share about what it means for our community to do and be church?
Try it:
Get together with congregational leaders and brainstorm some simple, low-tech ways of better introducing the congregation to curious web surfers. Consider uploading a weekly bulletin, or preparing a special, explanatory bulletin that describes the liturgy and some of the traditions of the service.