Over 85% of all Americans have a religious preference, but what about
the remaining 15%? Among those who lack a preference, an interesting story emerges across
the generations. First, the percentage of those who express no preference grows
with each younger generation, from the Builders at 12.3% to the Survivors at 18.2%. But there's another piece to the story.
Thirteen percent (13%) of all Survivors and nearly 12% of all Boomers indicate they have no
religious preference and they are not even interested. However, Survivors are
significantly more likely than Boomers, Silents or Builders to say they areinterested,
even though they have no current preference (see data table below). This
indicates an openness that is not as present among the other generations.
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SURVIVORS (born 1961-1981) |
BOOMERS (born 1943-1960)
SILENTS (born 1925-1942) | BUILDERS (born 1900-1924)
What is the generational profile of your community?
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Do you have a large Survivor population in your community?
Are they present in your church? Is there anything in this information that
would influence how you think about reaching this generation?
Consider the ways you shape and tell the Christian story.
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Both Survivors and Boomers are less inclined to have a religious prefrence
and many a lack of interest. How could/should this influence the way you communicate with
the community?
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How would this change the way you organize and implement
your ministry?
