Let’s face it—church and younger generations don’t always get along like peanut butter and jelly. Gen Z and millennials have plenty of thoughts when it comes to Sunday mornings, and not all of them are, well… positive. If you’ve ever heard someone say, “Church just isn’t my thing,” there’s a good chance it came from someone under 40.
But why is that? Why are Gen Z and millennials, a group known for valuing community, purpose, and authenticity, so quick to swipe left on church life? If you’ve ever wondered—or you’re a member of this generation yourself—let’s dig into some of the top reasons why younger folks avoid church. Don’t worry, this isn’t a guilt trip; it’s a fun, honest exploration of what’s really going on.
And, spoiler alert: by the end, you might just feel ready to give church another try.
1. “I Don’t Have Time for Church—I’m Busy!”
Let’s start with the obvious one: busyness. Gen Z and millennials have mastered the art of juggling a million things at once. Between work, side hustles, social lives, Netflix binges, and maybe (just maybe) sleeping, it’s no surprise that church falls to the bottom of the list.
When Sunday rolls around, the idea of waking up early to put on real pants can feel, quite frankly, exhausting. Brunch and bottomless mimosas often win out. After all, isn’t Sunday meant for relaxing?
Here’s the thing: church doesn’t have to feel like another chore on your to-do list. Many contemporary churches are focused on creating spaces where you can hit pause on life’s chaos, refresh your spirit, and find deeper meaning. And let’s be honest—church can wrap up faster than your Netflix binge marathon.
2. “Church is Too Judgy.”
Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt judged in a church setting. 🙋♀️ Yeah, that’s a tough one. Many millennials and Gen Z-ers say they’ve avoided church because they feel like they’re walking into a courtroom instead of a sanctuary. Whether it’s about what you wear, who you date, or your latest tattoo, there’s a lingering perception that church folks are ready to hand out side-eyes and unsolicited advice.
The truth? A lot of modern churches are working hard to be places of grace rather than judgment. Churches today are recognizing that we’re all flawed, messy humans in need of God’s love and mercy—no one’s got it all together, and that’s okay.
If you’re avoiding church because you’re worried about being judged, know this: there are welcoming, loving communities that are ready to embrace you exactly as you are. No perfect people allowed.
3. “It’s Boring and Outdated.”
Ah, yes. The classic “church is boring” complaint. For many younger people, their perception of church is stuck in a time warp: old-school hymns, uncomfortable pews, and sermons that make you wonder if your watch has stopped ticking.
But churches today have evolved more than you think. A lot of contemporary churches are lively, engaging, and—dare I say it—actually fun. Think modern worship music that feels like a concert, relatable sermons that speak to real-life struggles, and dynamic environments where people feel excited to show up.
If you’re envisioning a dull, yawning-filled hour on a wooden bench, trust me—you just haven’t been to the right church yet.
4. “I Don’t Trust the Church.”
Let’s be real: Gen Z and millennials grew up witnessing some very public missteps from churches and religious leaders. From scandals to hypocrisy, it’s no wonder there’s a lingering skepticism about organized religion.
This is a generation that values authenticity. They don’t want polished appearances or empty words—they want churches that are real, honest, and humble. The good news? Those churches do exist. Many modern churches are committed to transparency, accountability, and serving their communities with integrity.
If you’re struggling with trust, remember: while churches are made up of imperfect people, there’s still beauty in coming together to pursue a perfect God.
5. “I Don’t See People Like Me at Church.”
Representation matters, and sometimes churches can feel out of touch with younger generations. If you’ve walked into a service and realized you’re the only 20-something in the room, it’s easy to feel out of place.
Here’s the thing: contemporary churches are becoming more intentional about connecting with younger generations. They’re creating spaces where Gen Z and millennials can lead, serve, and grow together. From young adult ministries to worship styles that feel relevant and engaging, many churches are working to make you feel at home.
And who knows? Your presence might just be the encouragement someone else needs to show up, too.
6. “I’m Not Sure Church is Relevant to My Life.”
For some, church feels disconnected from the struggles of modern life. Gen Z and millennials face real challenges: student debt, mental health struggles, work-life balance, the “what am I doing with my life?” question—the list goes on.
If church feels out of touch with these realities, it’s no wonder younger folks hit snooze on Sunday mornings.
But here’s the truth: faith is deeply relevant. The Bible speaks to real struggles—fear, anxiety, purpose, relationships—and many churches are leaning into these topics with honesty and compassion. A good church won’t just tell you what to believe; it’ll show you how God’s love and wisdom can bring hope and clarity to your everyday life.
7. “I Can Find Community Elsewhere.”
Younger generations are great at finding community. From online forums to fitness groups to friendships built over shared hobbies, Gen Z and millennials know how to create meaningful connections. So, the question becomes: Why do I need church?
The answer lies in the kind of community church provides. Church isn’t just about socializing; it’s about belonging to something bigger. It’s about connecting with people who will encourage you, pray for you, and walk alongside you through life’s highs and lows.
Sure, you can find friendships anywhere—but church friendships are rooted in faith, purpose, and a shared love for Jesus. And that’s something special.
8. “I’m Just Not Into Organized Religion.”
For many young people, the phrase “organized religion” has a bit of a yikes factor. It sounds rigid, formal, and, well, organized. But here’s a thought: Church isn’t about checking off religious boxes or following a rulebook. It’s about discovering a relationship with God and experiencing His love alongside others.
Church doesn’t have to feel stiff or institutional. It can be vibrant, joyful, and life-giving. The right church will remind you that faith isn’t about religion—it’s about a relationship.
A Warm Invitation to Awaken Westchester Church
If you’ve found yourself nodding along to some of these reasons, you’re not alone. Gen Z and millennials have real concerns about church, and those concerns deserve to be heard. But here’s the good news: church doesn’t have to be boring, judgmental, or out of touch.
If you’re looking for a church where you can feel seen, loved, and understood, I want to invite you to Awaken Westchester Church.
Awaken Westchester is a modern, Christ-centered community that welcomes you exactly as you are. Whether you’ve been to church your whole life or you’re just starting to explore faith, you’ll find a warm, authentic space where you belong.
Here’s what you can expect at Awaken Westchester:
- Authentic Community: Real people building real relationships.
- Engaging Worship: Modern music and uplifting services that connect you with God.
- Practical Teaching: Sermons that speak to the challenges and joys of everyday life.
- A Heart for You: No judgment—just grace, love, and encouragement.
If you’re curious about church but don’t know where to start, come as you are to Awaken Westchester Church. There’s a seat waiting just for you.mpmpk