What Young Adults Look for in a Church

Table for One Ministries • December 20, 2024

Church leaders, congregants, and pastors verbally acknowledge the need to reach young adults with phrases like “Young people just don’t come to church anymore,” “Growing up, we never missed a Sunday,” or maybe even “We have a lost generation, Lord come quickly.” Why are young adults so hard to find in our communities?

These phrases are part of why it’s challenging for us to reach young adults in the church. We want young adults to understand the value of church life, but we can unintentionally use shame to motivate them to attend, participate, or volunteer. Shame is not a motivator. Many of the frustrations surrounding our failure to reach young adults are less about them and more about us.

Along with aging congregations,  pastoral age demographics are shifting , with the average age of pastors hovering right below 54. But age is not our weakness; it’s often our greatest strength and source of wisdom. Age does not dictate your vision; your mindset does.

The challenge our churches face in reaching young adults is connecting with them in authentic relationships and being a friend worth having. We lean toward a mindset that values programs over people. Programs can offer environments that foster relationships, but how often do we sacrifice relationships in the name of maintaining a program that we have “always done”?

How Do You Deal With Cohabiting Young Adults in Your Ministry?

June 29, 2025
After mingling and catching up on the past week, your young adult group eases into their time together with announcements. The group is having their annual camping trip this summer, and you slowly pass around a sign-up sheet for those interested. The clipboard makes its lap around the group and into the hands of the co-leader, and their stomach sinks. The young couple, who’ve been coming for months, walk into church holding hands, arrive together, and even volunteer, have different last names on the sign-up sheet. Quickly, you ring check their hands and notice neither has a wedding ring. You assumed they were together and married or at least engaged, and honestly, it never mattered until the overnight camping trip just a few weeks away. They’re likely living together. You know it. They know you know it, or thought you did. And yet, the awkward question hangs in the room: Do we discuss this topic, and can or should they join the overnight camping trip?

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Many churches unintentionally sideline single adults with outdated ministry models. Discover how your church can move beyond the “kids’ table” mindset and fully embrace singles as vital, disciple-making members of the church.

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By Table for One Ministries • April 22, 2025
Simply starting a ministry with a name doesn’t mean you’ll attract young adults. Focus on providing for and meeting needs to bring the gospel message to young adults near your church.

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By Table for One Ministries • March 20, 2025
Single adults don’t just want a handshake; they want to be seen, acknowledged, and integrated into the fabric of the church community.

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By Table for One Ministries • February 28, 2025
You don’t have to have all the answers today. You don’t have to rush the healing process. But you can take one step at a time, knowing that God is holding your heart and leading you toward restoration. He is faithful. He is good. And He is the One who will teach you how to trust again.

Dating and the Church: How Should the Church Treat Singles?

By Table for One Ministries • February 14, 2025
Simply starting a ministry with a name doesn’t mean you’ll attract young adults. Focus on providing for and meeting needs to bring the gospel message to young adults near your church.