We have a drop out problem with our youth with regards to church participation, talk to us about it.
Based on our research, of demographics and life span we have found that the least religiously active group is our late teens to early twenties.
6 out of 10 young people drop out of their faith in between the ages of 18 and 22.
Most of these kids say they loved youth group. What's the deal with that?
We have found that active participation isn't a good indicator as to whether they will stay. We have found that active discipleship and training is much more significant.
Many youth groups are simply a social club, in spite of the best intentions of churches and youth leaders.
We need to work harder at understanding how to connect with young people in ways that make a difference.
How important is the parental unit in all of this?
It is the most important factor. The level of seriousness with which the parents view their faith is the primary factor. It isn't a foregone conclusion that strong faith of a parent will rub off on a kid.
Due to our culture changing so much in the past 50 years we are now reaping what we have sown many decades ago.
How should parents navigate this new cultural reality? How can we make young people make sense of their faith in this day?
What are some of the things that we can do differently?
Most of these drop outs told us that they never had a solid adult relationship with anyone other than the youth pastor.
Many do not understand how the Bible applies to their professional abilities or calling. How do we mentor in terms of vocation or calling?
Most of this demographic didn't have an understanding of a personal interaction with a real relationship with a Living God.
What are some of the negative perceptions of young people with regards to the faith?
Sometimes, they see the church as anti-science, as anti-intellectual. Sometimes the church just is not cool enough for them.
"In the world but not of the world" was how Jesus' prayer for his followers says it.
I don't think the church is doing a good job of teaching them to be "in but not of the world" with this generation.
Over-protection often goes against what we are really trying to do.
We need to have more confidence with this next generation as they face these new challenges. We must push them toward Christ and a real relationship with him
What is one thing that parents should be doing?
Treat your young people with respect. They are just as intelligent as you are. Don't fight wars that God doesn't want us to, but trust Him to work in their lives.
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