09498
June 16, 2009

Young adults see the world through different lenses

Understanding consumerism is key, Nishioka tells Stewardship Conference

by Leslie Scanlon
The Presbyterian Outlook
Reprinted with permission 

Editor’s note: With so many stories to cover at the Big Tent, Presbyterian News Service and The Presbyterian Outlook cooperated in assigning reporters in order to cover as many events as possible. PNS is grateful to Jack Haberer, editor, and Leslie Scanlon, national reporter for making this expanded coverage possible for the benefit of all readers. — Jerry L. Van Marter

Rodger Nishioka shares his research into young adult participation in the church at the Big Tent event. Photo by Erin Dunigan

ATLANTA — Young adults in their 20s and 30s see the world through different lenses than do many older folks – and churches trying to answer the questions “Why don’t they stay with us?” and “Why do they give so little?” would do well to pay attention.

Rodger Nishioka, an associate professor of Christian education at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, said those ages 20 to 39 made up 21 percent of the U.S. population in the 2000 census — a decent chunk of people, too big for churches just to ignore.

And, speaking during a workshop June 13 at the Stewardship and Investment Conference — part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Big Tent gathering here — Nishioka said he sees a generational shift in church thinking from “duty and responsibility” to “what’s in it for me,” a reflection in part of increasing consumerism in American culture.

Nishioka ran through distinctives he sees in young adults – including mobility; an experience of ethnic diversity; delayed ages for marrying and having children. “They’re able to hold with ease what might seem like contradictions to others,” he said. So some invest in 401Ks while running up credit card debt at the same time.

What does all this mean for congregations – Nishioka ran out of time before he had the chance to tie a big bow around it all. But he did say one of the most common answers young adults who grew up connected to Presbyterian congregations give when asked why they don’t come to church anymore is that “I just don’t get anything out of it.”