NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) - On a day when many Americans are concerned with spiritual matters, there's a growing group that isn't and they're asking whether religion still matters. On Easter Sunday many churches have added extra services, and will see some of the largest attendance numbers all year.
A PEW survey shows over the past 40 years the share of the population who claim no religion has risen to 15%. The percentage of the deeply faithful dropped another 15%. The biggest dip is in the millennials, those between 1980 and 2000. One-in-four say they are not currently affiliated with any particular religion.
Barefoot Community Church in North Myrtle Beach is someone bucking that trend. This church is one of the fastest growing in the nation. Something that is getting harder and harder to accomplish.
Chief Strategic Pastor Matt Jacobs says they tailor service to all generations.
"We look at doing that in a creative and compelling way. How can we present the gospel to all ages, all diversities," he says.
Targeting the young audience hasn't been a challenge for them, Jacobs adds.
"We leverage social media, Facebook, Twitter, we utilize our internet campus to be able to reach out for those who might not come to our physical campuses,"
Amanda Zecker is one of the few that make up the shrinking deeply faithful. She has faith that in time, she'll be in the majority.
"Just jump in, don't be afraid to give it a shot. If you're going to go around and try everything else in the world, why not give Jesus a try? You won't be disappointed," she says.
