The underlying altruism persists, albeit more pragmatic and tempered than in earlier years.

One of the themes that has emerged throughout two decades of the researcher’s ministry and research into Millennial Christians is a deep-seated altruism. It began as a youthful zeal to “change the world for Jesus” and motivated many to take a ‘gap year’ devoted to helping the disadvantaged. In Northeast England, Millennial Christians, while still in their twenties, founded charities, ministries and not-for-profits, or chose careers they believed would make a difference. A decade or more later, confronting the realities of systemic poverty and the challenges of professional life or ministry has left some disillusioned or burnt out. Yet, the underlying altruism persists, albeit more pragmatic and tempered than in earlier years. This final section describes how devout Millennial Christians, living in one of England’s most disadvantaged regions, understand their purpose and what their aspirations are.

Finding meaning through faith

It is well documented that religious belief provides a framework for meaning and purpose. When asked, 86% of participants expressed a strong belief in having a calling or purpose in life. Even those whose faith had waned, or who were struggling with it, felt a lingering sense of meaning. While some were uncertain about the specifics of their purpose, none rejected the notion entirely.

How far does your faith provide you with a sense of calling or purpose?

Asked what those were, explanations of calling fell into two categories: some described a broad, theologically grounded sense of purpose, such as, “Knowing God and glorifying Him in all aspects of my life.” Others cited more specific vocations or activities. These largely fell into four categories: professional, humanitarian, religious, and family-focused. Their sense of purpose was intertwined with what they understood as divine intention.

Purpose in professional life

Those working in Christian ministry, healthcare, education, and social welfare often equated their profession with a ‘calling’. Others were less likely to use the language of calling or vocation but had pursued meaningful work aligned with their values. For example, “It’s doing something with skills that God has given me, to try and bring his kingdom in some way, in a sector that has the potential to make people’s lives better.”  Others were explicit that it was their conduct in the workplace that was crucial. Integrity, diligence, and care for colleagues defined their approach. One explained,

“Although I’m not in a ‘vocational’ role, I feel God has called me to the work I’m in, and that it’s part of my purpose there to show God’s love, to encourage and affirm the worth individuals have because of who God’s made them to be and how he loves them.”

Humanitarian concern

Humanitarian concerns featured prominently both in the interviews and in the surveys. Respondents were passionate about a wide range of disadvantaged groups. Supporting children and families, refugees, addicts, prison inmates and ex-offenders. Victims of exploitation, persecuted peoples and disadvantaged communities were all cited. These efforts were inspired by theological convictions, referencing biblical examples of Jesus’s care for the poor. Though some struggled with the difficulties and frustrations of enacting change (including with churches that did not share their passion), they remained devoted to alleviating suffering and felt aligned with God’s purposes.Sarah said,

“I don’t know if you’ve ever seen this metro map diagram? That shows how your life expectancy drops as you move around the Metro. There’s like a 10-year difference. I thought I would support people there, but that’s too far down the river. I want to go up the river to find out why people are getting sick, and to do something about that.”

Religious engagement

Many participants found purpose in religious activity, with some serving in ministry and many volunteering in church-related roles. Evangelism and outreach, either formally or among friends, were commonly mentioned, as was involvement in leadership, pastoral, or support positions. It has been estimated that Britain’s churches contribute an estimated £12.4 billion annually in economic and social value, and some spoke about volunteering at church-run social activities like food banks or toddler groups.^[1] However, only a quarter of respondents volunteered regularly outside the church. Despite their social concerns, most dedicated their limited volunteer time to activity within their congregations.

Family as purpose

Parenthood and marriage were central to the sense of purpose for many. All the mothers interviewed described intentionally investing in their children’s spiritual development. Several described adoption as something God had called them to. A small number viewed motherhood as their exclusive vocation, but a majority balanced family life with career and volunteer work.

Men also prioritised marriage and fatherhood, seeing these roles as divinely appointed responsibilities. Much has been written about ‘soft patriarchy’ or ‘functional egalitarianism’ among younger men in conservative religious contexts.^[2] In line with that, there was little evidence of strongly conservative attitudes – only one spoke of being “head of the household.” More common were comments like, ”I’ve got a sense of purpose. I’m a dad, I’m a husband. I’m a church leader. It all gives me purpose, but I want to be a really good dad to my kids, which I never had. I want to be a really good husband to my wife, which I never saw.”

Asked about their dreams for the future, the majority of fathers and, as yet child-free married men, described them in domestic terms. “[In a decade] I want to still be married, and I want to have been a good father.”

Dreams for the future

Finally, to conclude each interview, participants were asked about their dreams for the future. As emerging adults, Millennials have been described as having a ‘happy-midi-narrative.’^[3] Overwhelmed by global instability and rapid cultural change, rather than grand aspirations, they tended to prioritise happiness for themselves, their family and friends. In Changing Shape, it was argued that Christian faith expanded Millennial horizons, inspiring a desire for social and spiritual change. Now older, when asked about their future hopes, participants consistently expressed a desire for:

• Personal growth, including a mature faith
• To feel settled or rooted in a community with strong relationships
• To have happy families and children with an active Christian faith
• To actively contribute to a healthy church community
• To be involved in some sort of humanitarian activity – blessing others

Faith inspired them to pursue modest social and spiritual change, aiming to make a difference through relationships, church community, and altruistic action.

It was striking how few spoke about their careers. Their aspirations were notably local and domestic rather than grand ambitions. For the majority, faith inspired them to pursue modest social and spiritual change, aiming to make a difference through relationships, church community, and altruistic action.

Overall

Faith, it seems, significantly impacts how Christian Millennials understand their lives, providing them with a sense of purpose. Obviously, that gives individuals a sense of self-worth and meaning. They believe they have a contribution to make to the greater good, which some articulate as the ‘Kingdom of God’. In a region where the need is so evident, many are actively instigating or participating in careers and ministries aimed at alleviating suffering, be that directly or indirectly. Even those who do not consider themselves to have an obvious ‘calling’ or ‘vocation’ understand their behaviour towards others as an expression of their Christian faith and purpose.

It was interesting to note that newer believers who were passionate about how God had changed their lives were more likely to express enthusiasm for radical change, be that in other people or whole communities. They believed God could, and would, bring about transformation and they aspired to be part of that. Among those with a more established faith, while a few did aspire to ‘change the world’ – through broader national or international impact, community transformation, or spiritual revival – the majority were more moderate in their aspirations. Their dreams centred on community – belonging within a church and finding opportunities to serve others, whether professionally, personally, or through volunteering – alongside a faith that would remain meaningful and enduring for themselves and their children. This may well be the tempering of youthful enthusiasm by the realities of a decade or more of life. However, they also illustrate a depth of faith and desire to serve others. These Millennials are not ‘snowflakes’. They are strongly committed to their faith in Jesus and are pursuing ways to demonstrate that in their daily lives.

Reflection and discussion

These will not all be appropriate in every context, but are designed to begin helpful conversation after reading Section 6.

• Where does this section match, or differ from your experience of finding purpose?
• What benefits and dangers do you see in these attitudes?
• What ideas do you have on how we might encourage altruistic young adults to maintain that quality rather than become overwhelmed, disillusioned or cynical?
• How far do you think it’s fine for people to be realists and “pursue modest social and spiritual change”, and how far do you think we should be encouraging them to strive for bigger dreams?

What might encouraging people to value the impact they are already having look like?

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Footnotes

[1] https://www.houseofgood.nationalchurchestrust.org (accessed 03.09.25)

[2] Bradford W. Wilcox, Soft Patriarchs, New Men: How Christianity shapes Fathers and Husbands (Chicago, Il: University of Chicago Press, 2004)

[3] Sylvia Collins Mayo et al, Making Sense of Generation Y: The Worldview of 15-25 year olds (London: Church house publishing, 2010)

Photo by Ali Kazal on Unsplash