The Barna Group completed a survey last fall of over 1,000 “millennials” (defining the group as age 18-30) on their view of the Bible. Given the attack on the Bible over the past few years, the results are actually encouraging with regard to believing Millennials (that’s the good news), but discouraging with regard to nonbelieving Millennials (the bad news).
Click here for a summary of the findings.
Here are three takeaways:
1. Leverage Hunger:
Teens are hungrier than we think. Granted, it is a balancing act between over-challenge and under-challenge. Spend a season erring on the side of over-challenge and see what happens. You will likely be pleasantly surprised.
2. Step Boldly:
There is no reason to be apologetic or timid in offering deep Bible study. Ninety-six percent of practicing Christian Millennials believe the Bible contains everything needed to live a meaningful life. Let’s help them learn all the Bible contains!
3. Trust the Word:
The same amount, 96%, view the Bible as the inspired Word of God. As youth leaders, our trust of God’s Word becomes very evident in two ways: 1) Our enthusiasm for helping teens experience Scripture in a meaningful way; 2) How the precepts of God’s Word shape our behavior and form our reactions to all life throws our way.