Are you trying to capture the next generation? Trying to learn how they think? What makes them tick?

Do you have what it takes to get them to your church?

It's a question not only every pastor is asking but also every business across America. The businessman is spending millions trying to understand them in order to sell their products but a pastor desires to understand their needs in order to save their souls.

Much can be learned from economics studies done by large corporations. In reviewing some of these results, we have documented seven of the most interesting observations that we believe give church leaders an important insight into successfully reaching the next generation.

#1. They are well informed.

Today’s consumers are intelligent and expect to be treated that way. With a stroke of a computer key, information and pricing on any product is immediately available to the buyer. The days of waiting for a “free brochure” in the mail are forever gone. Either you have the answer they want immediately available or they will go elsewhere to get it.

Allow your congregation and guests to be well informed by having an attractive interactive website with biographies of all the pastors and a list of services provided by your church.

Yearly calendars should be updated frequently to give plenty of notice for upcoming events and always provide a page full of links to Christian resources that aid in equipping the saints.

Point to Ponder: “An informed church is a church that performs.”

#2. They have unlimited options.

The rapid increase of “seeker friendly” churches makes the competition brisk and therefore a church must be focused on what their vision is and why families should attend. This is accomplished by repeating your message again and again in different creative and exciting ways attracts those who will be blessed by what your church offers.

Businesses have discovered that supply and demand economics have been given an interesting twist now that the buyer can find the product they want anywhere in the world through the internet. They are not geographically limited with their purchases and can snub their nose at the local supplier and buy cheaper in a different state, or even a different country.

Likewise sermons from well known preachers can be “streamed’ directly through the internet and some may think attending church is not necessary. Therefore churches must be relentless in convincing others of the benefits of attending their church in clear and well defined language.

Point to Ponder: “If they know why they stay, they will not stray.”

#3. They like quality.

Products with great reputations are quickly brought to national attention by willing customers who not only have money to buy those products but are more than happy to spend it. Companies know they must continue to outshine their competition and therefore must constantly improve their product.

Churches must stop practicing “the cheaps” in the name of good stewardship. Older generations gladly give up quality to save money. Not so for today’s generation. When you provide clean upgraded facilities you make your congregation feel special and in return, they will gladly provide the financial support to keep these amenities going. If members are embarrassed by your facility or your lack of quality services why would they invite someone as a guest?

Point to Ponder: “Excellence will support itself but cheapness is a freeloader."

#4. They want convenience.

With both spouses working life is hurried and patience is thin. The church who works the hardest to provide for their needs with the least possible inconvenience to them wins. For example, Starbucks discovered that a coffee shop is fine but a drive-through with their favorite drink is much, much better. A smart entrepreneur once said, “The shortest distance between a customer and the product is when you walk over and place it in their hands.”

Families are going non stop 24/7. If you discover how to make church life a little simpler and less hectic then a family will look forward to Sunday instead of dreading another responsibility. This is accomplished first by staffing your church properly. Though this is not cheap you will find it easier to organize events, use volunteers more effectively and take a load off the already overburdened church member.

Point to Ponder: “Simplify Sundays and make them fun days.”

#5. They have money to spend.

There is an amazing amount of cash spent in today’s world. No longer do couples scrimp and save, and sacrifice to save for a rainy day. They choose to find ways to finance what they want so they can immediately enjoy the benefit of the product they desire. They have credit and are not afraid to use it.

When it comes to tithes and offerings the same is true. If the congregation understands and believes in the merits of the vision and purpose of the church they will give. People have always been willing to sacrifice for the right cause. It is up to the church leadership to inform with passion and eloquence what that cause is.

Point to Ponder: “Make your message clear, then clear the way!”

#6. They are verbal about what they want.

With media available everywhere, it can take only seconds to tell hundreds or even thousands of people about something they liked or disliked. Smart businesses give customers many ways to give testimonials or complaints about what was good or what could make it even better. They use the current media to their advantage to inform the public about what others say is great about their product.

We must listen to the voices of our congregation. Giving opportunity for communication and insights into the effectiveness of ministry causes the church members to feel included and inspires involvement in future service. Create an environment that allows the freedom to share ideas and there will be greater involvement from everyone. E-mails to the pastors are a great non threatening way to give ideas or concerns. However, responding in a timely manner is just as important.

Assign someone to respond back to those who take the time to share their hearts.

Point to Ponder: “When you listen the speaker glistens.”

#7. They like being known and appreciated.

When someone calls out your name you always respond. It may make you feel important or at the least know that you exist. As populations grow isolation grows with it. It becomes ever more important to individualize your congregation and let them know that they are needed, recognized and appreciated.

Businesses have learned to say thank you by giving 2% cash back or travel miles, or special discounts to repeat customers. By doing this they are rewarding them for using their service and giving incentive to buy from them again.

We have discussed that churches with a great volunteer base have many ways of saying thank you! Then say it often and publicly.

They write a thank you note on a letter, in an email, or say it on the projector screen. People can never be thanked enough. It brings a warm smile and a willingness to continue serving and gives those not serving a reason to start.

Point to Ponder: “If we are told to give with a thankful heart, then churches should respond with a heartfelt thank you.”

# # #