Church is boring, just for old people, isn’t it?

Is your arrival on this page down to a recent experience that you’ve had of church? Or is your perception based on an experience from many years ago? Or perhaps simply an assumption that you have of what church is like? In her video Fiona offers a humorous take on the stereotype, acknowledging that she is now among those she once considered old! Her father was a vicar, and reflecting on her own childhood experiences there were certainly times of feeling bored in church. So, she does have sympathy with this view, but it isn’t that way for her now.  

Rosey agrees and suggests that the stereotype might be out of date. She notes that today’s churches have evolved significantly, and now offer a wide array of experiences to suit different tastes and interests. They feature a variety of music styles, incorporate technology and embrace innovation. She suggests that those who label the church as boring probably haven’t attended one recently, or at all! As Rachel explains, alongside traditional services, there are all sorts of ways of gathering as church – with storytelling, fun activities, café conversations and even opportunities to walk in nature and reflect on Scripture and poetry.

When you click on Michael’s video, you’ll see that he is a young person who, by his very presence in church counters the suggestion that it is only for old people! He also acknowledges that some might find church boring but emphasizes that it’s all about engagement. If you limit your involvement to passive listening on a Sunday morning, then you’ll miss the opportunities to actively participate in the life of a community that offers much more. Michael’s experience of church is interactive, with chances for him to contribute and connect, and even engage in dynamic discussions about faith.

Michael recognises that many churches cater for a diverse group of people and offer activities that appeal to people of all ages. For him, the presence of older people in the church isn’t a bad thing, he appreciates the opportunity to meet people he wouldn’t normally encounter and values the way church fosters a sense of community that extends beyond age boundaries. He finds church is a place where people come together to share their experiences, to reflect on faith together and find company and solace within a supportive network.

In a story about a grandmother and her grandson on a bus, Fiona illustrates the importance of this bridging of the generational gap, and suggests, like Michael, that church provides an opportunity for young and old to enrich each other’s lives. Young people bring fresh perspectives, while the elderly offer wisdom and experience. The message of Jesus is universal, and many churches offers spaces with a rich intergenerational dynamic.

Rosey notes the importance of these social interactions too, and explains that beyond the Sunday service, churches often provide opportunities for community engagement and connection throughout the week. She concedes that it’s possible that older individuals are often more visible at church services, but this doesn’t mean the church is exclusive to them. The other gatherings at other times can be more accessible for families and those who are younger. Whoever they are, Rosey says, church serves as a place where you can seek meaning in life, explore spirituality, or simply find your place in a supportive community.

In her contribution, Rachel passionately describes the church as a multigenerational family where people of all ages come together in a way that you rarely encounter outside of the church. Her experience is that everyone is valued and made to feel welcome, regardless of their age. Rachel’s faith journey began in a church group for young mothers who provided her with a space to have conversations about the questions like those you’ve found on this website. Through these discussions she discovered that God is not an abstract concept but a living presence in everyday life.

Hopefully our four contributors will challenge any stereotype that may have brought you to this page and will leave you intrigued enough to make a visit to church in the coming weeks and see for yourself.