Space, connection and silence were the focus for people at the latest Thriving Church event.
90 representatives from deaneries across the diocese gathered to consider the latest research into generational views of Church and how we can respond.
Course facilitators Jo Wetherall and Barrie Voyce talked about how there has been a generational shift in how the Church is seen.
Barrie said, “Previously, young parents and families had some knowledge of church and the simplest route to engagement was to rebuild the connection. These days, late Millennial and Generation Z parents have no previous knowledge or connection with church and so it’s more about exploration and discovery of faith for the first time.
“The words to describe their attitude are ‘warm apathy’ towards Christianity. They don’t really understand what Christianity is or how it applies to their life, but when they find out about what the Church is doing, they are happy to learn more.”
Jo Wetherall said generational theory has sparked new ways of thinking for her. “Some of the disparaging language used when talking about different generations has roots in wider societal issues. The word ‘snowflake’ describing someone who wants to be unique but melts when facing challenges, might hide the deep disappointment that this generation are living with.”
A younger adult shared an experience about the disillusionment of watching environmental, community and economic decline through their lifetime and living with the expectation that things would become worse for their children and grandchildren.
She shared that as Christians, the huge thing we can bring in this environment of brokenness, is hope. We need to be a people of hope, bringing Jesus’ transformative power to situations that seem bleak.
Bringing hope shouldn’t mean starting lots of new activities. In the research, parents shared that what they wanted from church was a caring community with good role models and a focus on practical values, like empathy and honesty.
Young people said, “I think being open and trustworthy helps young people feel more welcome, telling them the Church is there to listen to them, with no judgement or pressure.”
Research undertaken by 9Dot on behalf of the Diocese of Gloucester found that in a response to the noise and busyness of life, young people and families were craving silence, stillness and space. There was a call for deeper listening, deeper relationships and a sense of sanctuary.
Jo said, “Learning how to ask people good, open questions, to be alongside people in calm and peace is often enough.”
Barrie shared that young people are responsive to resources like Be Still, (10 minutes of silence and stillness in structured prayer). They are tapping into things that they know they need – empty quiet spaces like church buildings, distant hills, spaciousness and sanctuary in a chaotic and scary world.
A challenge as we move forwards is sharing the message that both our buildings and our faith are there for everyone, not just a select group of people.
Barrie said, “Think about a rugby club. If you see them organising a quiz night or a disco, you probably think it’s an event specifically for members. The same thing applies when people see church toddler groups or social events planned – people think they are just for ‘church members’.
“Sometimes, opening the church, making it inviting with bright lights, fairy lights and bunting and giving people permission to use the space to have coffee with friends is enough to plant the first seeds of a more caring community.”
As one parent said, “People don’t want to be judged or preached at, they just want someone to listen.”
If you have been inspired by this research, you can find out more at Inspire – Diocese of Gloucester.
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