Worship Styles

Almost one half of teens from the Millennials sampled prefer traditional worship (males slightly more than females) to a contemporary expression. The definition of these terms is undefined in the survey and may indicate that this generation understands what they currently experience as traditional. Yet, having 4 in 10 whose preference is a contemporary style of worship is more than significant. The results in this portion of the survey are open to further interpretation when one learns that 70% think it is scriptural and appropriate to clap hands during worship. This is only one indication that a more precise definition of terms is needed in order to hear what this generation is willing to convey.
Having a Sunday morning preference for assembling together is rock solid with Millennials. Yet, students surveyed embraced membership in the church at rate of 46%, which leads one to speculate about their feelings toward the institutional church or an ability to teach in the home, youth group, or the vital role of the church in developing a relationship with God. This group still views the Sunday morning sermon as worthwhile in developing their relationship with God (88%). Also, public prayer enjoys a place as an essential aspect of worship (89%).


As for gaining an understanding of church of Christ distinctiveness for the Millennial Kids several insights emerged. For example, acapella music and the Lord’s Supper present interesting perspectives into what this generation reports about its religiosity. Sixty-eight percent of the teens indicated a belief that acapella singing was what the Bible taught for public worship. Yet, 1 in 3 of these Millennials surveyed disagree and think other approaches to music in public worship are acceptable. This difference of thought identifies a generational alteration as well as a possible theological disparity. Even more significant, the survey indicated that 40% of these teens thought that taking the Lord’s Supper on any day of the week was acceptable. These Millennial Kids do not seem to share every doctrinal conclusions of the generation currently leading our churches.