It’s an age-old question: How do we get more young people to come to church?
We may have found the answer—or at least an answer.
The next generation is missing from many of our churches—not because they don’t care, quite the opposite. Today’s 18- to 35-year-olds deeply value community, purpose, and authenticity. They’re looking for something real. They want to make a difference in the world. And they long to belong.
At Better Together, we work with families every day—many of whom fall within this exact demographic. We’ve learned that when churches create space for young adults to serve, struggle, and be seen, it opens the door to a new kind of church experience—one that feels relevant and worth returning to.
Here are three proven ways your church can reach and retain the next generation:
1. Invite them to serve
Young adults today aren’t just looking to consume; they want to contribute. They’re passionate about service and helping others. They want to make a tangible impact in the lives of their neighbors. They crave a sense of purpose and belonging.
By providing meaningful opportunities to serve, you signal that their presence matters.
We’ve seen this firsthand in churches that provide opportunities to directly help struggling families and job seekers through Better Together. Once they get a taste of what it means to serve their community, they want more. They feel seen. They feel needed. They feel like they belong.
For this generation, being able to serve creates a sense of belonging. It shows them, “I have a place here.”
Serving is not only an on-ramp to engagement—it’s a pathway to discipleship.
2. Meet families’ felt needs
Let’s face it: Many young adults are struggling. Single parents, in particular, are balancing jobs, bills, child care, and often facing these challenges alone. When the Church can step in and meet those practical needs—offering job support, meals, or temporary care for children—it becomes more than a place to worship. It becomes a lifeline.
Better Together partners with churches to help meet these felt needs, and in doing so, we see many families reconnect with the body of Christ. Our programs introduce families and job seekers to the local church—76% of those who attend our job fairs are age 44 and younger. When they experience the community and love within, they often want to stay and be part of it.
If the next generation feels like the Church sees them, understands them, and wants to help them, they’re more likely to come back—and bring their friends with them.
3. Cultivate a culture of transparency
If there’s one thing this generation doesn’t trust, it’s perfection. Many young adults feel like church is a place where everyone else has it all together—and they don’t. That disconnect keeps them away.
But what if the Church was known not for its polish, but for its honesty? What if we made space to talk about real struggles—mental health, broken relationships, financial hardship—and pointed to Jesus as our ultimate hope?
We’re all imperfect. We all have struggles. But we’re better together as a community of people who show up for each other.
When churches lead with vulnerability, it signals to the next generation that it’s safe to show up as they are. That they don’t have to perform or pretend. That there’s grace and belonging waiting for them.
Reaching families—together
The next generation isn’t disinterested in God. They’re just disillusioned with a version of church that feels disconnected from reality.
But there is another way.
At Better Together, we believe churches can be a beacon of hope for young adults when we offer real opportunities to serve, meet real needs, and have real conversations. If you’re ready to reach the next generation, we’re here to help.
👉 Learn more about how your church can partner with Better Together to be part of the solution.
