Millennials and the Megachurch Bubble

Why are Millennials leaving the church? Everyone is asking that question, but most are overlooking an important trend. Here Skye Jethani explains how our culture's growing mistrust of large institutions affects Millennials' understanding of the church, and why it the challenge for megachurches is especially difficult.

[@HandleYoself]

this guy has 900 subscribers (901 now), and only 57 likes on this video. Case. and. Point. Well said, well delivered, and so true it hurts. This is a truth that has been rattling around in the back of my head for a dozen years (literally, since February of 2006), but you give voice to it. The red pill has been taken. I now see the light. Thank you for your ministry, and for speaking the truth.

[@gmac4157]

wow, your easy, I think I may have a bridge to sell you

[@DavidSpottsco]

Nailed it Skye. I wish I could "short" mega churches.

[@radkonpsygami7634]

David Spotts - I hope that all churches just DIE. . . not that I hate Jesus. . .but because these churches are only looking for a new gimmick in order to keep the money and influence flowing. The only difference between a mega church and post modern church is the gimmick targeting a different customer - considering that millenialls have grown up and have become spenders, churches are after their money and will do anything (even going against their own Christian values) in order to dip their fingers in their wallets.

[@hoagmaster]

It will be interesting to see where the mega church ends up a few years down the road.

[@TheOpinionatedGuitarist]

Brad Hoganson It will wither n die when persecution comes.

[@micahmatthew7104]

Its pretty much the same as of January 2021. Millenials and Gen Z still don't like institutions like the Church and government.

[@JFCotman]

Millennial here. 2001 was when we graduated from high school and like he said, 'became adults'. And yeah, come to think of it, institutions weren't cool by then because this is the year they failed. 9/11 took place that year Mortgage melt down begin to develop Wall street frauds became exposed All of this was happening as we were entering adulthood.

[@jaygjurgevich8841]

Wise and timely insight as always. Thanks Skye!

[@lrsmith62]

would love to get this whole message if possible...is there a link somewhere to watch it? thanks

[@sabrinagentz9889]

It seemed stuffy and not modern. My morals are extremely strict. I saw way to many two faced people in the church. Yet they thought they can judge you. Just a thought from a millennial.

[@chrisredfield3240]

If someone turns up to church in a £60k Audi wile other people walk and can't even afford shoe's for there children something is already wrong. I used to go to church but i get fed up with all the raising money and favours for everyone all the time. I'm fighting for time vs money already.

[@williamjameslehy1341]

The Daily Show is not 'fake news', it's politically-oriented comedy. Fake news is when they share stories that are either completely made up or deliberately exaggerated, and presented as true, serious news, rather than any sort of satire.

[@TomLandry1]

Lots of truth here. The causes are complex, but its undeniable that people who look at church as "Entertainment" are no longer attracted to most "churches" because they have so many other sources for "Entertainment." On the "Stage" behind this "entertainer" we see guitars and drums - doubtless, they play "Christian Rock" music to "Entertain" the congregation - but are the kids there as "Entertained" by this, as they are by Lady Gaga Videos on TV, or "Grand Theft Auto" games on their game consoles? He probably also preaches a real "Stem-Winder" of a Sermon to "Feed" his congregation - but are they as entertained by his sermon as they are by Netflix? When you base the model of your 'Relevant" Church on "Entertainment", you are going to have a tough time competing with the Post-Christian culture. Basically ALL Christian churches in the US are losing membership, again, in large part because we are in a Post-Christian age ("Thanks", Baby Boomers!..). But who's hanging on the best? I'll give you a hint. Its not the Church of "What's happenin' Now" - the Churches that seek to Entertain. Its those who have held onto their roots and traditions and remained true to the Faith, even though its not "Popular" or "Cool" according to the culture, its those who don't try to out-Entertain Jon Stewart and Jimmy Fallon - but rather, who exist to Worship the Lord.

[@BZ28DPM]

DAMNED GASLIGHTERS

[@matthewpayne8537]

Interesting video - as an evangelical Millennial pastor (I'm an associate pastor - 29 y/o) I really struggled at my last job at a "megachurch." My main struggle as a congregant and staff member was that I didn't have an extremely personal relationship with my pastor, and therefore did not feel that I could totally understand the motive behind decisions. I now believe that his motives were just fine (he is a man of integrity). The problem that I would face with a smaller, more intimate church is the lack of institutional influence within a community, and frankly the quality of teaching and worship, both of which are very important to me. As counterintuitive as it sounds my gut tells me that this trend will be the "beginning of the end" of denominationalism in the US.

[@kathydoherty9227]

"at my last job" says it all - it is a CALLING not a job, hireling

[@lamonthicks2013]

The first church of individualism

[@TrakeM118]

John Stewart is actually pretty accurate. Say what you will of Comedy Central, The Daily Show was accurate. Viewers of The Daily Show tested higher on accuracy of political facts. Sorry, but just because it's on Comedy Central doesn't mean it's not good news.

[@anilphilip546]

@skyejethani you miss the most important point: Tithe. Why should I give 10% of my income to the church organization when God does not require it?

[@BZ28DPM]

DAMNED HAZERS

[@lamonthicks2013]

Wow

[@lamonthicks2013]

A cynical generation

[@BZ28DPM]

NEGLECT TO EDUCATORS

[@gloriamccoygl]

The most millennial company that is big is Facebook, instagram

[@BZ28DPM]

MAFIA MEMBER

[@alo6125]

He completely skips talking about how millennials are killing themselves trying to survive in a broken economy. The scale of their student loans is staggering and those loans can't be discharged by declaring bankruptcy. This speaker makes the common mistake of not talking about the power of context. The conservative Christian church seems allergic to getting involved in anything having to do with social justice. That's a shame, because the millennials are the generation that's being hit hard by our unjust society.

[@BZ28DPM]

DAMNED THIEVES

[@BZ28DPM]

LAND PIRATES

[@BZ28DPM]

DAMNED EXTORTIONERS

[@BZ28DPM]

CORPORATE TAX LIABILITY FLIPPER

[@kboone122]

All that science sounds good but there are answers in the book Luke 17 26 30 there will be only a few why because straight is the gate and narrow is the way and many f olks including whatever generation u want to call them want there on way or direction.

[@marshajohn9753]

Another person wanting to feel relevant but isn’t. . This isn’t even true. Soooo many generalities.

[@BZ28DPM]

IDENTITY THIEVERS

[@annachapman452]

Religion was invented when the first conman met the fist fool.

[@BZ28DPM]

RACKETEER

[@john-markraddatz5308]

And yet that is the same generation that needs to have the latest iPad, iPhone, Galaxy, jeans etc. And yes millennials are egotistical and that's why colleges are offering entrepreneurial courses., to take that money.

[@BZ28DPM]

THUGS

[@JonathanGrandt]

None of this shit matters.

[@BZ28DPM]

MALEVOLENT ACTORS

[@BZ28DPM]

CON ARTIST