Journal: Journal of Ministry and Theology
Volume: JMAT 23:2 (Fall 2019)
Article: The Influence Of Church On Wellbeing In Adolescents And Millennials
Author: William C. Stewart

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The Influence Of Church On Wellbeing In Adolescents And Millennials

William C. Stewart

D. Scott Barfoot, Jeanette A. Stewart, and Lindsay A. Nelson

Abstract: This study evaluates the associations of the church, as well as its members and leadership, to wellbeing in adolescents and millennials. Subjects were surveyed about their background, personal wellbeing (feeling healthy and happy), their Christian walk, and how church affected their wellbeing. In total, 884 participants were surveyed of which the majority of participants attended church 4 or more times/month (80%); were female (73%); age 18–30 (39%); lived in the USA (56%); and were evangelical (77%). The 3 greatest church influences on wellbeing were prayer (59%); spiritual growth (56%); and praise and worship (54%). The 3 most influential factors from church leadership on wellbeing were Bible-based teaching and preaching (75%); Bible-based speech (51%); and powerful biblical vision for the church (44%). The survey results indicate that the church today is influencing the personal wellbeing of youth and millennial believers around the world.

Key Words: Millennials, Adolescents, wellbeing, church, leadership

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When asked about the role of the New Testament church, biblical teachers often emphasize four primary functions of (a) worship, (b) education, (c) fellowship,

JMAT 23:2 (Fall 2019) p. 86

and (d) evangelism as exemplified in Acts 2:42–47.5 Following Pentecost, the apostle Peter preached the resurrected Jesus as Lord and Messiah. In response, about three thousand people were so deeply moved that they repented of sin and were baptized—giving birth to the church (v. 41).

This community of new believers in Jesus “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching6and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42 NIV). A spirit of awe, and worship imbued everyone as they watched God work through the apostles and many individuals who experienced profound renewal and transformation.

The believing community was uniquely characterized by mutual care, concern and generosity7as they looked not only to their own interests, but to the needs of others (v. 45). The early church gave life, purpose, hope, forgiveness, he...