I’ve noticed that there is a ton of Christian blogs discussing millennials. It is hilarious to me because most of these article authors assume that there is some sort of mass exodus of millennial happening in the church. It’s a heated panicked discussion of “how do we reach millennials?”  As someone who has recently returned to church ( 2 years and counting), I can explain my reasons for leaving the church, the community of God.

1.I didn’t feel it was relevant. From a social justice standpoint, I didn’t see churches uplifting blighted communities, teaching black men what their rights were, or comforting sexual assault victims. To me, the world had gone to hell and a hand basket and the bride of christ was sitting  on the porch drinking tea.

2. Too many arguments. People wanted to discuss things like should women preach, should women wear pants, men being the head of marriage, what day is the sabbath and I felt like I had better things to do with my time.

3.There was too much emphasis on doctrine, not enough about the good news. We believe this and this and this… oh by the way Jesus died for your sins. At that point, I just went so everything I am and do is a sin and against the beliefs so why do I need Jesus. I wanted to go where it’s warm. Where I was welcomed and not rejected. That is not. to say that there are not hard truths that need to be said. But it’s all the approach.

When I returned to church, I was met with arms open wide. Nobody cared if my skirt was too short or if I had multiple tattoos, or what my journey had been like. I was constantly reassured that above everything I was loved and had received grace upon grace upon grace. Nobody tried to force me to be a certain way or dress a way. They told me that its not my job to change people… that’s all Jesus. Jesus does the heavy-lifting. He who began the work is faithful to complete it.

I don’t believe millennials are leaving the church in droves. We are forming  our own communities of church. Where we can be accepted with face piercings and entire sleeves of tattoos. Where we can curse and still love Jesus.