How Can We Engage Older Generations In Faith?

Dr Rachel Jordan-Wolf, Executive Director of Hope Together, authored the Talking Jesus research which focussed on the openness of those outside the church to the Christian faith. In this blog she focuses on how that research helps us understand those over 65. She asks: How can we engage a generation that identifies with Christianity but often doesn’t practise it?

Recently, I co-hosted a discussion with sector leaders (Perspective Conversations: Reaching the Older Generations), where we explored how to better share the good news with older generations. Our discussion highlighted both the challenges and immense outreach potential of those aged 65 and over.

I presented specific data showing the unique opportunities we have in reaching this age bracket. The Talking Jesus research reveals that while 63% of this demographic identify as Christian, almost half (47%) never attend church. While some may be hindered from church attendance due to ill health or disability, the data also reveals that only 29% engage in prayer weekly or daily, and 37% do not pray at all.

This points to a complex spiritual reality: while many in this age group may hold a cultural allegiance to Christianity, of this number the majority remain disconnected from active faith practices. So, how can we connect with a generation that may often identify as Christian but does not engage with it?

What Does The Research Tell Us?

In 2022, as the UK was emerging from a pandemic, I was the author of the Talking Jesus research, backed by a significant partnership of Christian organisations all wanting to understand the landscape of the Uk and the openness to the Christian faith of those outside the church. Within this research we delved into faith practises and preferences among the older generations. It offered some important insights:

1. Cultural Christianity: A significant number of older adults identify as Christian (63%) but do not attend church (47%), highlighting a need for engagement beyond the traditional church setting.
2. Prayer Practices: The research reveals that 37% of older Christians do not pray at all, and only 29% engage in prayer on a weekly or daily basis. This indicates a significant disconnect between identifying as Christian and actively practicing the faith. Notably, prayer serves as a more precise indicator of faith than church attendance, as it can be practiced even by those who are housebound.
3. Beliefs About Jesus: Interestingly, when asked to describe Jesus, 49% identified Him as “spiritual” and 44% as “peaceful.” While a staggering 43% believe in the resurrection, only 14% are fully convinced, leaving 29% an open but questioning mission opportunity. They are nearer faith than we think but need help to understand the full message of the resurrected Jesus.
4. Opportunities for Outreach: With only 6% of older adults actively practicing their faith (reading the Bible, praying, attending church), the potential for outreach is immense. This demographic is culturally warm towards the church, yet many do not have a personal faith in Jesus.

How Do Older Generations Explore Faith?

If we are to consider the best outreach strategies for reaching those aged 65 and over, the research reveals useful insights about preferences for exploring the Christian faith:

• Local Church Visits: Many older adults still see visiting a church as a primary way to engage with the faith.
• Bible Reading: About 28% of non-practicing or non-Christian seniors would turn to the Bible as their starting point for spiritual exploration.
• Christian Leaders: Approximately 18% would seek guidance from a Christian leader, showing an openness to dialogue.

The Need for Genuine Connections

The church urgently needs to build genuine relationships and connections within this age group. A significant finding from the Talking Jesus research shows that only 50% of non-Christian older adults know a practicing Christian—lower than the average for the broader non-Christian population.

So How Do We Engage Older Generations In Faith?

The Talking Jesus research highlights a vital opportunity for the church: while older generations may have a cultural affiliation with Christianity, there is significant potential for deeper engagement. To effectively connect with this demographic, churches must be intentional in their outreach and in starting spiritual dialogue. They need to recognise that many in this age bracket already consider themselves Christian. By understanding their starting point, we can build connections and lead them to go deeper, offering them a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.

This is a crucial reminder that the church’s role extends beyond its walls to meet older generations where they are—inviting them into a deeper relationship with true faith. Let’s act, pray and unlock the potential of this mission field!

Perspective Conversations: Reaching The Older Generations was an online discussion held on 12 October 2024. Rachel Jordan-Wolf (Hope Together) and Rachael Heffer (Evangelical Alliance) were joined by Alexandra Drew (Faith in Later Life) Pippa Cramer (Hymns We Love) to discuss how we can better share the good news of Jesus with older generations. It offered insights, advice, and creative ways to connect with people in later life, and inlcuded insights from those leading seniors ministries in a local context.

You can watch the recording here.