A concerning trend has been observed in recent years – young people are leaving some churches in droves. The phenomenon has sparked discussions and debate among Christian communities both in Nigeria and around the worldwide. But where are they going, and why?
Kingdom Times went to town to seek the views of Christians, especially young people aged between 25 and 35 and they offered insightful perspectives on this phenomenon.
While some are of the view that many young people are actually dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in many of the mainline churches and are moving to newly established churches that speak to their generation, others believe that most young people leaving the church are turning their back on the faith.
According to one respondent, “young people are tired of the somewhat boring way the orthodox churches operate.” Olayemi Odunuga who is of the Anglican denomination, says the doctrine in traditional churches, “focuses heavily on teaching and worship” which may come across as “boring” to younger congregants.
For her, “In traditional churches, the priest’s word is held in highest regard. Their preaching is often brutally honest, emphasising being Christ-like. In the new generation churches, the young people feel they can worship without fear of being judged. For example, a young man with dreads and tattoos might be asked several times to change his appearance in traditional church, but in a new generation church, he could comfortably take pictures with his pastor.”
Chinwe Mmaju, a 31-year-old Catholic, highlights the changing dynamics between the clergy and youth. “Times have changed, she says. “Generation Z questions a lot… they demand answers, hold you accountable, and fear no one.”
She notes that pastors often fail to adapt, using authoritarian approaches that fuel rebellion.
According to her, social media amplifies information, making young people more informed and critical. “When church leaders don’t meet their expectations or take responsibility for their actions, it creates disillusionment and a perception that the church is a scam.”
However, Anna Mambula, who attends Koinonia in Abuja, offers a different perspective. “I don’t think the young people are leaving the church. Rather, I think they’re leaving the old generation churches to go to the new generation churches.”
She attributes this shift to the approach of younger pastors, who “don’t preach Christianity as a religion or fire and brimstone but as a lifestyle. They share applicable life lessons that are relatable.” This approach, she maintains, is appealing to young people, who are drawn to churches where they can find relevant teaching and community.
Layo Adegoke shares similar perspective. For her, “I think young people are tired of the somewhat boring way the orthodox churches operate, and so they move to Pentecostal churches that are more vibrant.”
A member of Covenant Nation, who wished to remain anonymous, points out that some churches prioritize material wealth over spiritual growth. “Pastors living large….This perceived hypocrisy can drive them away.”
The same respondent notes that many young people attend church without experiencing genuine fellowship. “Once they’re old enough to make life decisions, they may not see the need for church.”
The pressure to conform to moral standards without showing how this is lived out in practical terms is also said to push young people away. Feeling judged for not meeting these expectations can lead to discomfort and disengagement.
Chidubem Azubuike-Oba, a member of Dominion City, Newcastle, United Kingdom, believes that some young people reject Christianity’s principles, seeking personal freedom instead. “People want to eat their cake and have it. They want to play with the Lord, come to Him for blessings, then run away when they don’t see those blessings.”
But for Arinze Ebido, also of Dominion City, UK, young people are actually flocking to churches that effectively reach out to their generation. “Churches which are attracting them have found ways to be relevant to their needs, sensitivities, dreams, and passions.”
However, this trend, according to Azubuike-Oba, is a call to authenticity. He maintains that churches must boldly preach Christian principles without compromise. “We have shrunk into ourselves. We need to be loud, bold, and unapologetic about our faith.”
On the whole, despite these shifts, it is heartening to note that young people are not abandoning their faith altogether. As one respondent puts it, “I think there are still many youths in church today, though not many of them might be found in traditional churches.”
The reasons young people leave their churches are multifaceted. While some seek autonomy or are disillusioned with over-emphasis on materialism, others crave authenticity and relevance.
These responses, therefore, suggest that the exodus of young people from mainly orthodox or mainline churches is not a rejection of faith in most part, but a quest for a more authentic, relatable, and dynamic spiritual experience. This, however, differs from the case of some young people who seek freedom from church only to indulge in self-centred fleshly pursuits rather than devotion to God.