American millennials are marrying and having children later than previous generations, but that doesn’t mean they want to put off family life.

Researchers at Stanford University’s Center for Longevity surveyed four generations ranging in age from 25 to 75, asking them when they hoped to reach five life milestones versus when they actually attained them.

There were few differences across generations in the perceived ideal age for starting full-time work (by age 22, on average); beginning to save for retirement (by age 25); marrying (by age 27); and having children (by age 29).

More than ever, church leaders must clearly articulate the value of biblical marriage.

With the exception of saving for retirement — an area in which young adults are outpacing older generations — millennials are less likely than their elders to achieve any of these goals by their stated ideal age.

In fact, the percentage of people marrying by age 29 has decreased with each successive generation. For instance, nearly 80 percent of those age 75 and older married by their 27th birthday, compared to less than 40 percent of those ages 35 to 44. By all indications, millennials are even more hesitant to tie the knot. However, the study notes that the “decline did not start with them.”

It is encouraging that many young people today ideally want to marry and have children, in that order. Yet the reality is that an increasing number of Americans are cohabitating, raising children outside of marriage, and putting off nuptials as a matter of convenience.

More than ever, church leaders must clearly articulate the value of biblical marriage — celebrating it, defending it and upholding it as God’s plan for sexuality.

Millennials grew up hearing about the importance of saving for retirement, and they are responding to that message. They deserve to hear the true message about marriage as well.