Communicating with Young Adults

Prayer

We don't join churches just because we've always been members, or because our parents have always been members

We look for places that are going to serve our needs and interests.

Donald A. Luidens, professor at Hope College

Holland, Michigan.

Just one-third of 18- to 29-year-olds say they've attended a religious service in the last week, the smallest share of any age group.

Gallup Organization

Kids are pretty religious, teens are incurably religious, but then when young people head off to college, the practice levels definitely fall off.

George Gallup, Jr.

Young adults want to come together in a live setting. In churches, and in community, that's where the power is really felt, and that's what young people are looking for.

George Gallup, Jr.

Are you even onyoung adults’ radar screens?

Who are Young Adults?

• Special

Who are Young Adults?

• Special

• Sheltered

Who are Young Adults?

• Special

• Sheltered

• Confident

Who are Young Adults?

• Special

• Sheltered

• Confident

• Team-Oriented

Who are Young Adults?

• Special

• Sheltered

• Confident

• Team-Oriented

• Conventional

Who are Young Adults?

• Special

• Sheltered

• Confident

• Team-Oriented

• Conventional

• Pressured

Who are Young Adults?

• Special

• Sheltered

• Confident

• Team-Oriented

• Conventional

• Pressured

• Achieving

Who are Young Adults?

• Special

• Sheltered

• Confident

• Team-Oriented

• Conventional

• Pressured

• Achieving

How does your parish appeal to these core

characteristics of young adults?

• Wanted break from church: 27%• Church folks hypocritical: 26%• Moved to college: 25%• Tied up with work: 23%• Moved away from home church: 22%• Too busy: 22%• Felt disconnected to people at church: 20%• Disagreed with church’s on political/social

issues: 18%• Spent more time with friends outside

church: 17%• Only went before to please others: 17%

Why YoungAdults leave

Why YoungAdults Stay• It’s vital a relationship with God: 65%• It guides decisions in life: 58%• It helps me become a better person: 50%• I’m following family’s example: 43%• Church activities were a big part of my life:

35%• It helps in getting through a difficult time:

30%• I fear living without spiritual guidance: 24%

Sometimes it’s the topic

Stewardship and basic skills becomes:

What you need to know about managing your money

Sometimes it’s the topic

Prayerful Meditation and Stress Management becomes

When life gets too loud and busy

Sometimes it’s the topic

Discernment and Healthy Relationships becomes

How do I know if this is the right person for me?

Sometimes it’s the topic

Discernment and Vocation becomes

Making the tough decisions in life

Communication Venues

Church Bulletin/ Poster

Communication Venues

Church Bulletin/ Poster

Direct Mailing

Communication Venues

Church Bulletin/ Poster

Direct Mailing

Advertising

Communication Venues

Church Bulletin/ Poster

Direct Mailing

Advertising

“Word of Mouth”

Communication Venues

Church Bulletin/ Poster

Direct Mailing

Advertising

Tech-ing Up

“Word of Mouth”

Communication Venues

Viral Marketing

Church Bulletin/ Poster

Direct Mailing

Advertising

Tech-ing Up

“Word of Mouth”

Communication Venues

Viral Marketing

Direct Outreach

Church Bulletin/ Poster

Direct Mailing

Advertising

Tech-ing Up

“Word of Mouth”

Communication Venues

Viral Marketing

Direct Outreach

Church Bulletin/ Poster

Direct Mailing

Advertising

Tech-ing Up

“Word of Mouth”

Inside your “walls

”

Outside your “walls

”

For the journey

• authority

• a walking stick

• sandals

• no food, no sack, no money . . . not a second tunic.

• Seek welcome

• Oh Come All Ye Faithful - Religious institutions marketing towards young adults AMERICAN DEMOGRAPHICS,  June 1, 2001  http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m4021/is_2001_June_1/ai_76579416/pg_1