A generational profile of Australian Baptist church attenders

Abstract

Strong and healthy local churches play a vital role in building God’s kingdom. This report aims to build the capacity of the Baptist Church for mission, by taking a generational perspective on various aspects of church health and vitality. The views and experiences of younger generations are a particular focus. Drawing on data from the 2016 National Church Life Survey (NCLS), the report addresses the following topics: • Joining, staying and leaving church; • Valuing of and satisfaction with ministry to children and youth; • Faith formation and discipleship; • Building relationship with one another; and • Building capacity for mission. The report draws primarily on results for 33,898 Baptists, aged 15+, who completed the 2016 NCLS Attender Survey. They are split into four generations: Gen Z, Gen Y, Gen X, Boomers and Builders combined. Selected results from the 2,297 children aged 8 to 14 who participated in the optional 2016 NCLS Child Survey are also included, in order to fill out the generational profile as much as possible.