Where are All Our Young Families?

A Dozen Tips To Re-Engage Young Families to Church

In the past, the Church attracted generations of families based upon the fact that it was what those generation’s forefathers had done before them, so they just stuck with it.  There was always a common bond that tied families to the church including  the community in which they lived, economic status, jobs of a similar type, a common race, familial relations etc...  In addition, Sunday was considered a Holy Day, one dedicated to rejuvenation and reflection of family and faith. Today, Sundays are considered just one more day in week with retail stores open, scheduled sports games & practices, or perhaps simple the only day to accomplish weekly tasks like yard work, home cleaning and grocery.  In short, in 2016, the social, racial and economic bonds  of today's young families are gone as is any time for these busy families to rest and reflect.  They are different and over-scheduled and wondering "how is going to church relevant to my life?"

Here are a Dozen Tips to help re-engage your young families:

1.     Offer Multiple Services 

• Families are busy and Sundays are just another day in week, so offer these busy families choices and cater to their limited time.  Offer a Saturday 5pm short service, no more than 45 minutes. 

2.     Offer Sunday School or Crafts for Young Children 

• Young parents do not want to have to control and quiet there toddlers or babies for an entire hour.  It is stressful and they are more concentrated on occupying their kids, than listening to the message.  If your church does not have a traditional Sunday School option during services, arrange a group child-care or craft activity area to keep them busy.  It is a bonus if the crafts relate to the lessons of the day!

3.     Simplify Missions and Projects 

• One of the marks of a millennial family is that they have a deep desire to make an impact on the world around them.  They have a desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves and affect their world in a positive way. But remember, they have only a few hours to contribute so create a church culture of community involvement and develop volunteer signup lists making each job or task short and specific.  They want to contribute to a great cause but don't want to take on more than they can handle or disappoint!  www.thesignuphub.com can help with online signups.

4.      Develop a Community- Engage Friends

• Young families want to spend time with friends, and specifically the families of their children's friends.  These friends may be church members, or not.  Promote events where young families can bring outside friends.  Not only will they be more likely to attend, but you will open your doors to potential new members and promote community bonds and goodwill.

5.      Develop Groups & Sermons Specific to Them

•  How does this affect me?  If young families are constantly listening to messages not specific to them, they become disinterested and unengaged.  Create a young mom's group with discussions surrounding "Why Church is Important in 2016 to Your Children?"  "How Video Gaming Effects Spirituality" "Importance of Service and College Applications" etc....  OR focus some sermons surrounding parenting, marriage and the Bible.  

6.      ADVERTISE!

• Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Text Messaging.  Yep, that is where most millennial families are tuned into, so it is important for you to be there too!  A MUST HAVE position in any active church is a Social Media Manager.  Are you promoting and advertising your Sermons?  Events?  Celebrations? Volunteer Opportunities?  Try and fill this position with a young mother or even teen looking for community hours. However, don't be afraid to offer this as a paid part-time position if need be. It is that important!  

7.   Connect with the Youth

• Every Pastor, Preacher or Priest should open a personal Twitter and Instagram Account specifically for connecting with their youth groups.  Send 'Congrats' to youth members that had a great high school soccer game, or attend a middle school function and Instagram yourself there supporting your kids!  The kids will feel a greater connection to you, and thus the church!  Parents will appreciate the support.

8.   Connect with the Men

• Church attendance has been and continues to be primarily the responsibility of the moms, the women of the family.  So, how do you connect to the young fathers?  Easy...Sports!  Young fathers are looking for 'Men Only' activities to temporarily escape from their every day demands and enjoy time with their contemporaries.  Establish a church men's softball or basketball team.  Try and get neighboring churches involved and play one anther at community fields or gymnasiums.  If you build it, they will come!

9.   Find the Right Leaders

• Every community has those young Moms or Dads that are leaders in their communities. Typically, they take on the positions on the Town Council or Dept. of Education, PTO President or Fundraising Chairs.  These community leaders are often involved in a variety of groups and are influential with the young families you are seeking. So find them in your congregation... and put them to work.  Listen to their suggestions and work with them in developing activities and events they are excited to promote.  Call them directly and ask for their help.  

 10.  Everyone Wins with Online Pledging

• Fact:  when people pay, they will more likely participate. Offer families a recurring monthly online pledging option. By contributing monthly, they will never feel embarrassed to attend services periodically or participate in events.  Every month, they reconfirm their commitment to their faith and church.  As a church, you will see a marked increase in income, especially from this demographic.  Bonus, families can earn bonus points on their credit cards while donating!  

11.  REMIND THEM

• Busy families cannot ofter remember to check calendars or websites for upcoming events. These on-the-go families actually prefer to be told what they are doing each day. Text reminders are the new way families stay informed and on schedule.  Some examples...  Reminder..you have a Orthodontist Appt at 3pm, Reminder Soccer Practice Monday at 4pm, Reminder:  Deliver Brownies to the School on Friday.  So, remind them!  Send them text reminders about Church Services,  Fundraisers, Special Events, etc...  maybe even a daily or weekly spiritual  quote would be welcomed.  

12.  Use Technology!

• Today, keeping your congregation informed, involved and PAID-UP is easy with online Volunteer SignUps, Sunday School Registrations, Online Event Registrations, Pledging, and Sales. Check out www.thesignuphub.com and see how we can help for FREE! 

Call for More information on getting your Church Connected!

(201)400-7480 or (201)919-0733

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