Make Me Stay: A Multiple Case Study on Church Engagement Among Young Adults in the United States

Make Me Stay: A Multiple Case Study on Church Engagement Among Young Adults in the United States

LaKeisha Williams | 2020

Abstract

A growing concern in American churches is the attrition of young adults. Included in this concern is the lack of engagement of those who continue to attend. Previous research on Seventh-day Adventist youth revealed a number of themes on factors that contribute to the retention of youth in the denomination. Related peer-reviewed, research-based studies are dated over a decade ago; new information is needed to continue the conversation. This study explored the current factors influencing church engagement among young adults in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Phenomenological methods were employed in this multiple case study involving three Seventh-day Adventist Churches in the eastern, southern, and southwestern United States. Twenty-three in-depth, open-ended interviews of young adults age 22-35 were coded to ascertain specific factors influencing church engagement. The findings indicated that factors influencing church engagement are multidimensional. The results were combined into four larger themes, and a new definition of engagement, namely church engagement was introduced. Given the findings, engagement is the personal investment of a person’s preferred self into a desirable task. In the case of desirability for young adults engaged in church, it is influenced by relationships, affirmation, opportunities for service, and a sense of spiritual responsibility. Based on the findings and to examine factors in varying contexts, further study is recommended to address three areas: cross-religious, cross-cultural, and countercultural study. Findings will contribute to a greater understanding of young adults and their participation in religious-based and other nonprofit organizations.