Millennials' Distrust in the Church and How to Avoid It

It is well documented that compared to older generations, Millennials have a lack of trust in institutions, including the government and political leaders, banks and financial organizations, and even the news and media.

 But there is no place where Millennials’ distrust is more apparent than in the church and religious institutions. In the church, Millennials have seen sexual abuse allegations covered up, finances mishandled, scandals tear apart churches and families, and religious leaders grab for political power.

 So what can local churches do to avoid and prevent mistrust from Millennials from happening in their own communities?

 Be transparent about your finances.

Document where every dollar and cent of your budget is allocated. If you are asking Millennials members to give of their financial resources, be willing to show exactly how their money is being used to further the work of your church in the local community and the broader world. They will probably even be more willing to give if you are transparent about your finances and expenses.

 Have an accountability plan in place.

While no one wants to think about their pastor or religious leader becoming the subject of a church scandal, the truth is that it can happen to anyone. Make sure that there are clear accountability structures set up for church leaders. This can be handled either by an outside authority—such as a district leadership team, a bishop, or a conference—or through a board of locally elected elders or committee members that has oversight over church leadership.

 Establish clear election processes for congregational leadership.

Church politics can become even more heated and confusing than partisan politics in our governmental structures. Millennials often have an automatic distrust of these outdated systems of church leadership that don’t seem to affect change or for which they have no real say. To help this, encourage Millennials to be a part of the election process when voting on new council or board members. You might even consider instituting “term limits” for board positions or committee members, so that leadership teams in the church do not become “good ol’ boys clubs” where younger members with new ideas and fresh visions for change have a hard time entering in.

 Be accurate and honest in your own words.

Millennials already have a tendency to think that religious leaders are hypocrites. It is so easy for Millennials to fact check anything a pastor says (and they do, too!). To win over Millennials, the last thing pastors or church leaders should be doing is spread misinformation, conspiracy theories, or even outright lies, whether from their pulpits or social media pages. Be especially careful saying anything that can easily be discounted by a quick search on Google!

 Don’t expect automatic buy-in.

Assume that Millennials in your congregation or community are coming from a place of mistrust, and that you will need to go above and beyond to prove yourselves as trustworthy and reliable. Work for their trust and gain their confidence over time. Once you have shown that your church can be trusted with their time, finances, and input, Millennials will become your greatest advocates and leaders.