This study is designed to examine the lives of both affiliated UMC youth and non-affiliated youth ages 15-22 years old. Results will be used to keep current members engaged and committed to the church’s growth, as well as to provide information to attract new congregants.
The study answers questions such as:
- Who are they? How do they live? What do they value?
- What are the characteristics of mentors/influencers?
- Where are they on their spiritual journey? Where would they like to be?
- What is the role of The UMC in their lives?
- What forces shape their views and desires?
- What does the church get wrong and/or right?
The results revealed:
- A strong preference for in-person engagement,
- The desire for practical knowledge,
- Acceptance is valued above all,
- Social media is for entertainment; not important views.
This presentation shared the research results at a workshop during Youth 2023, an event for United Methodist Youth held in Daytona Beach, FL on July 25-28, 2023.
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