Episode 21: Ryan Keaton Talks Young Adults

In this episode of the Tennessee Golden Hour Podcast, hosts Matt Tullos and Beth Moore engage with Ryan Keaton, the Emerging Generation Specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, to discuss strategies for engaging young adults in church communities. Ryan explores how future churches might differ, noting that by 2040 they could be smaller but more convictional, with members participating due to genuine belief rather than family tradition. He highlights challenges such as declining church attendance and increased distrust in organized institutions, particularly among Gen Z and Gen Alpha.Ryan emphasizes the importance of churches fostering authentic community to attract young adults, urging them to focus on what the church stands for rather than against. He also shares his personal background and commitment to ministry, which began in a strong church-based family environment. Ryan advises churches to invest in mentorship and relationship-building rather than merely programming, as young adults seek meaning and real connections in faith.Additionally, he shares resources like the Young Adults TN podcast and his 2023 book, Winning Young Adults in Our Harvest Field, designed to help churches better engage this demographic. Ryan concludes with an open invitation for churches to reach out for tailored support in connecting with young adults in Tennessee.