Millennials Move LESS than Gen X and Boomers (New Implications for Your Church)

Rainer on Leadership

In this episode, we re-examine a major demographic shift reshaping communities and churches: the decline in mobility across the United States. Americans are moving far less than they did in previous generations, especially millennials. While older generations often relocated for work opportunities or family, today’s younger adults are more likely to stay put. Rising housing costs, tighter job markets, student loan burdens, and a growing preference for stability have all contributed to this trend. For church leaders, this change presents both challenges and opportunities.

• • On one hand, fewer new people moving into a community may mean slower demographic growth, especially in areas outside the Sun Belt.
  • But on the other hand, people who stay are often more open to long-term relationships, deeper discipleship, and lasting involvement in the life of the church.
  • The big reason for families: Two incomes are necessary. Moving means finding two new jobs.
  • Other root causes: housing, debt, family ties.
  • Implications for church outreach and growth.
  • Stability may lead to deeper community connections.
  • Focus shifts: from attractional to relational ministry.
  • Churches should invest in long-termer discipleship strategies.

Resources:

• Rooted

• Upward Sports

• Upward Sports: Pickleball

• Brown Church Development Group

• Church Answers Platinum Membership

• FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

• The Hope Initiative

Episode Sponsors:

• The Rooted experience can help you create a discipleship culture that connects your people and leads to ongoing life change in Jesus. Rooted is…
  • A proven plan for helping people connect to God, their church, and their purpose
  • A sustainable way to launch groups
  • An approach to discipleship that helps people step out of their comfort zones and experience life-changing rhythms of discipleship
  • An opportunity to change the culture of your church
• Visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers for free resources to help you learn more, including the What is Rooted? video and a free download of the Rooted experience framework and Rooted Workbook sample.

The Power of Partnership. Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities.

Start Preparing Now for 2026! Looking ahead to what’s next in your ministry? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – use sports as that invite. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or running for adults, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader — Upward will support you with the rest.

A Variety of Sports for Every Church. From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs.

Exciting News: Did you hear? Pickleball is the newest offering – Claim your TWO free net sets, while supplies last! Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more.

Be the Neighborhood Church. Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today.

Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

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