October 08, 2024

What Will Happen in Churches When All the Baby Boomers Are Gone?

26 minutes

A time is coming when the Baby Boomer generation will no longer be present in churches. Our research writer, Ryan Burge, calls it the “Silver Tsunami.” Thom and Sam talk about what church leaders should expect when this generational shift occurs.

The average age of a churchgoer is around 60 years old. The time is coming sooner rather than later.

Among weekly church attendees, Boomers account for 36% of the people present, Gen X is 24%, and Millennials are only 19%.

Without drastic changes now, almost every church will be smaller.

Many megachurches will struggle more than smaller churches to replace Boomers.

Volunteerism will drop precipitously.

Church staff positions will become harder to fill.

Neighborhood churches and mid-size churches are best positioned for this demographic reality.

Resources:

“Life Application Study Bible”

“Life Application Study Bible” For All Times

Tyndale House Publishers

Upward Sports

“The Coming Silver Tsunami: A Volunteer Crisis in Aging Congregations” by Ryan Burge

Graphs About Religion

“Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)

“The Church Revitalization Checklist: A Hopeful and Practical Guide for Leading Your Congregation to a Brighter Tomorrow” by Sam Rainer (affiliate link)

My Church Staff – Coming soon!

Church Answers Central

The Everything Church Resource Directory

The Hope Initiative

Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector

Episode Sponsors:

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Who is Upward Sports?

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Upward Sports offers basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, and soccer as a league offering.

When partnering with Upward Sports, your church can reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel.

Upward Sports will customize your sports outreach strategy to support your church budget and community needs. We know one size does not fit all.

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By Thom Rainer

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