Targeting Christian youth to participate in church services and events: a qualitative analysis of communication practices

Abstract

This study aims to understand what communication practices can help Christian churches effectively retain and recruit members of the United States youth population to attend church services. The findings of the focus group sessions, personal interviews, and archival retrieval revealed multiple reasons why youth do and do not participate in church services, activities, and events. Secondly, the findings discovered ways for churches to get youth to go to church. Finally, the findings indicate ways for churches and church members to communicate with youth through various forms of communication in order to increase church participation and attendance through the use of a strategic communication plan.