START A RANT
SIGN UP / SIGN IN
GET PAID TO POST
FOLLOW ON TWITTER
START A RAVE
MY PROFILE
CONTACT US
ABOUT US
Culture & Lifestyle

Rant

Why Young People Leave Church

Posted 6 months ago|15 comments|575 views
#7 They don't like texting in Church.
VIDEOS
Written by
"A five-year project headed by Barna Group president David Kinnaman explores the opportunities and challenges of faith development among teens and young adults within a rapidly shifting culture... No single reason dominated the break-up between church and young adults. Instead, a variety of reasons emerged. Overall, the research uncovered six significant themes why nearly three out of every five young Christians (59%) disconnect either permanently or for an extended period of time from church life after age 15."
http://www.barna.org/teens-next-gen-arti...

The following are excerpts from the Barna Group study exploring:
Six Reasons Young Christians Leave Church

Reason #1 – Churches seem overprotective.
"Christianity feels stifling, fear-based and risk-averse... Christians demonize everything outside of the church... ignoring the problems of the real world... my church is too concerned that movies, music, and video games are harmful"

Reason #2 – Teens' and twentysomethings' experience of Christianity is shallow.
"Church is boring... faith is not relevant to my career or interests... the Bible is not taught clearly or often enough... God seems missing from my experience of church"

Reason #3 – Churches come across as antagonistic to science.
"Christians are too confident they know all the answers... churches are out of step with the scientific world we live in... Christianity is anti-science... 23% have been turned off by the creation-versus-evolution debate"

Reason #4 – Young Christians' church experiences related to sexuality are often simplistic, judgmental.
"One-sixth of young Christians (17%) said they have made mistakes and feel judged in church because of them... teachings on sexuality and birth control are out of date"

Reason #5 – They wrestle with the exclusive nature of Christianity.
"Churches are afraid of the beliefs of other faiths... forced to choose between my faith and my friends... Church is like a country club, only for insiders"

Reason #6 – The church feels unfriendly to those who doubt.
"(Unable) to ask my most pressing life questions in church... significant intellectual doubts about my faith... (their faith) does not help with depression or other emotional problems"

Pretty hard to sweep such a huge demographic out-of-sight or under the rug... "nearly three out of every five young Christians (59%) disconnect either permanently or for an extended period of time from church life after age 15" ...is this just signs of the times, or is it time to take some personal inventory on how we "do Church"? Something to keep in mind is that many are trying Church for the first time of their lives, and this is a study primarily of second-generation Christian youth. Be that as it may...
the "Church" has a lot to answer for!

Some of the fastest growing Churches are those who's leaders offer a no-holds-barred approach, like Mars Hill Church with Pastor Mark Driscoll... I may not agree with everything Driscoll preaches, but I do agree with his style... open honest and tackling head-on any topic one can throw at him. I believe this is what the world is looking for, where one can discuss anything... and look into the oldest testimony of GOD to man to see if it holds water. One doesn't have to travel to Seattle, Washington to get a peak at this mega-church... just go online... Mars Hill Church

Though Mars Hill cannot and does not answer all concerns of bewildered and discontented youth, each concern must be taken into careful consideration in order to meet the needs of those within the Church... and when trying to reach those without. Could it be as simple as the second concern that "God seems missing from (their) experience of church" ...too often we seek from our peers the answer to question that only God can answer... and we expect miracles from men, while ignoring God. I know personally what it was like to be "outside of the Church" ...but a simple encounter with Jesus Christ answered my deepest need... allowing me to let people off the hook for my expectations, and find true fulfillment in the only one who could fill the void.

I think this study is invaluable to leaders who really care, and I welcome the personal challenge... simply because many of my mistakes are revealed clearly. I also think that open dialogue is the key for anyone honestly sharing their own misgivings with "established religion" ...one may find healing in the process.

Many times I for one like to "engage" people in an all out UFC (Ultimate Faithful Christian) style debate... where it would seem the last one standing wins. However it has more been the last one standing was just too stubborn to give up! I have enjoyed the verbal jousting and some of the name-calling... simply because we play-out for our readers the true concerns in everyday life, that most are unwilling to talk about. Ours is the challenge to battle for right and wrong... or just right and left. BUT whatever our battle, we hope it satisfies someones morbid, sordid or candid curiosity with TRUTH.


"David Kinnaman explores the opportunities and challenges of faith development among teens and young adults within a rapidly shifting culture. The findings of the research are included in a new book by Kinnaman titled You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving Church and Rethinking Church..."
http://www.barna.org/teens-next-gen-arti...

You Lost Me (hardcover)
You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving the Church...and Rethinking Faith.
David Kinnaman, The Barna Group
http://www.barna.org/store?page=shop.pro...

My hope here in this post is to address any concerns that resonate with the readers...
and to see if there is any hope... or if this is this the final nail in the coffin of organized religion. I say organized religion, and not Church... because there is a far-cry difference in the Church that is living and breathing on the planet; that excepts no less than 100% ...regardless of whether it is evident in North America or not.

The Church of Jesus Christ has withstood 2000 years of the brutal onslaught of the enemy... it sure as Hell won't fall by the pathetic apathy of any complacent adherent!
The truth of the matter is we need a fresh perspective...

CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MlGmO_6E...

UPDATE - 6 months ago UPDATE - 2 months ago
The complete Free Online PDF Book download... "Don't waste your life"
http://dwynrhh6bluza.cloudfront.net/reso...
EMAIL|FLAG THIS POST
COMMENTS
6 months ago: "Reason #3 – Churches come across as antagonistic to science.

"Christians are too confident they know all the answers... churches are out of step with the scientific world we live in... Christianity is anti-science... 23% have been turned off by the creation-versus-evolution debate"

I'm not saying anything. Lips zipped.
6 months ago: TOO cool Stan,

I was hoping you would weigh-in !:] I think you know by now the Christians on this site are pretty much an open book... willing to examine our own mistakes and see if we can be relevant without compromising our faith.

My approach to science is that it be tested and questioned... just like my approach to religion. Like those who are made to feel bad because they have doubts in the Church... so Christians are made to feel bad about some of the doubts they have in some so-called "science" ...and are bashed just because we would scrutinize some of the stuff we are all forced to swallow.

Stan you have always been a gentleman in our jousting... and I appreciate your willingness to battle with one who touts a "wooden stick". Thanks for always bringing your "A" game... and providing some good arguments. Who knows we may evolve onto the same team !:]
6 months ago: I appreciate your kind thoughts, Truthbrary. Keep fighting the good fight. If the team is the team that believs that Jesus' example and admonition to love one another is a good one, I'm there.
6 months ago: Parents and mentors need to know how to hand over the torch.

Even outside of the scriptures there are plenty of reasons to be a believer. Arguments from archeology, history, science and other wise are abundant and not lacking. They need to know that their faith can be backed up by evidence and fact and has firm foundation. Their confidence in knowing what they believe and why they believe it will put the ignorant and foolish to silence.

Young people have to be taught to own if for themselves. It cannot be a belief system that they inherit. God has no grandchildren. It has to be a faith that they have studied out and confirmed, not just something they believe because mommy and daddy say so.

Young people are being slammed with a ton of information these days and God's people have not been doing a good enough job of making sure the kids have access to the truth. That has to change and change quickly.

The rationality of understanding the existence of God, the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the reliability of the New Testament documents, the fact of a created universe, the obvious mistakes and lies that pepper Darwinian evolutionary theory, the reality of objective truth, the impossibility of abiogenesis, the insanity of moral relativism, just to name a few foundational bricks, is enough to at least start and then keep kids on the right track and growing in their faith.

Worshipping and following God is exciting. They need to see more excited, rational, educated and mature believers. Folks who know what they believe, why they believe it and can back it up come what may.

The world is going to continue to slam us. Our young people need to be prepared by us for the inevitable onslaught that the world is going to bring their way. Don't expect to be respected. Scoffing and bullying go with the territory.

There are plenty of folks whose purpose in life is to disparage the faith of Christians. When the world brings a fight they need to know their sword well enough (Ephesians 6) to stand and then take territory. That's what I've taught mine to do.

Education is key.

We come from another place that darkened souls will have trouble understanding or tolerating while they tolerate everything else under the sun. Be ready. Life is a spiritual war zone. Even though they are young, they must understand that life is not always a playground but a bettleground.

Our young people are the devil's easiest target most times. We do them all a disservices when we play church rather than equip them for real life and the challenges that real life brings.

Church is not to be a club house or a social club. When presented that way, it's no wonder the young people will leave or want nothing to do with it. Even if they didn't, in that type of establishment all you would have is a group of folks with no real power or impact on lives or community.

There are plenty of dead churches littering our landscape. Let's make sure we are not contributing to that type of an environmental hazard.

Church has to be presented as a necessary and relevant institution that has both feet firmly planted in reality of everyday life. An institution that is divinely guided and positioned to worship God and serve the people of the community and our world. A place where the Word of God is taught, the love of God is evident, and the power of God is manifested.

Also, there is a big difference between the visible church institution and the Body of Christ. Our objective should be to get young people to know and understand the difference. Truth is that we can be a part of a church without being a part of the Body. That's a real tragedy and one we need to make sure our young people understand.

MATTHEW 5:13-16

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except t
6 months ago: Full passage:

MATTHEW 5:13-16

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
6 months ago: Huey,

You got it hands down! Everything you had to say was perfect, especially...

"Young people have to be taught to own if for themselves. It cannot be a belief system that they inherit. God has no grandchildren. It has to be a faith that they have studied out and confirmed, not just something they believe because mommy and daddy say so."

...we are serving a generation that likes to be served, and doesn't see where it is their own responsibility to question and think for themselves. They see their "parents" (the ones at home, and then the teachers at school) disagreeing... no longer does anyone care what is right and wrong... truth or lie... the kids just don't want their "parents" to fight.

It is too bad that children have been put in that predicament. It would be less contentious if parents were left to parent... and teachers were left to educate in matters of the basics. Unfortunately the Gov has been allowed to take over our "morality" and our "faith" ...telling our kids what they should believe. Unfortunately more times than not the "teachers" are telling today's youth to abandon the archaic practices and beliefs for the new world order and practices.
6 months ago: Reason #1 – Churches seem overprotective.
"Christianity feels stifling, fear-based and risk-averse... Christians demonize everything outside of the church... ignoring the problems of the real world... my church is too concerned that movies, music, and video games are harmful"

Yeah, I can see it happening... we tend to focus on don'ts and less on the things that bring fulfillment ourselves. I recently spent TIME with a young person... that's it. We laughed talked almost cried... but gave my ears and my heart. I got brutally honest... and accepted that young soul regardless... kept confidence, became a friend.

Could it be that the simple words of Christ "love one another" can do it? It appears so. We can debate on issues until the cows come home... but nothing communicates better than love... was it so long ago that we cannot remember the love that won our hearts? Everyone can feel "right"... but not everyone feels loved.

My most impressive theological inroads have been made with my arms...
and not just my words.
6 months ago: Crazy Love Chapter 7
What am I doing right now that requires faith?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0CwKAFCE...

Try going out of your way to love someone...
6 months ago: Reason #2 – Teens' and twentysomethings' experience of Christianity is shallow.
"Church is boring... faith is not relevant to my career or interests... the Bible is not taught clearly or often enough... God seems missing from my experience of church"

The bottom line is that we can't teach what we don't know, and we can't lead where we won't go! Too many times churches follow programs and fads to guide their church... when all it takes it to operate like a family. Nothing speaks louder than genuine care and commitment to each other. We had a pastor from TX who spent his entire ministry being available... to whomever for whatever night and day... he was passionate about serving and counselling those in need. You couldn't get more people out to hear him if you tried!

Yes he burned himself out... but he communicated a non-hypocritical non-judgmental gospel! People around here still talk about him and miss him, and that was 26 years ago... my point being is that "real" isn't boring! You didn't have to bribe youth to come out to hear him speak... he would address any current event or issue... maybe being a 6' 6" Vietnam Vet at 350lbs helped a little?

One main thing David Jones required was "measurable Christianity" ...he required that you walk the talk! IF you weren't failing you probably weren't trying... and if you weren't making a dent in life... you probably weren't swinging hard enough! He didn't care so much whether you were failing... more if you were apathetic and faking your relationship with Christ. Living as a true Christian takes a miracle... and the sooner we all realize that the better.

IT always surprises me that "successful" people... those who manage businesses and work a 40 hr week... can be so grown up during the week, but then put a bib on while they go to church... expecting someone else to "feed" them. Youth are no different... somehow youth have it in their minds that the world owes them a living... and is expected to entertain them while letting their hormones and appetites guide them. They need to grow up! Catering to anyone's every whim is weakness and cowardice! Challenging people to stand up for themselves and for what is right is the first step to gaining their respect. And it is best served by leaders that model those convictions. Youth around here know boredom is not an option !:]

"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." (1John 2:6)
6 months ago:

A shining city on the hill cannot be hidden.
6 months ago: Red,

That does pretty much say it all... if we let our lights shine a bit more, and our "darks" a lot less...
6 months ago: The world will never get tired of all the good we can do.
IxRiGiDDxI
IxRiGiDDxI
New Lebanon, OH
6 months ago: In my opinion alot of people are turned off of church at such you ages is because of the simple prove it. Like literally prove it. In our society we get things done physically. Like we can physically get something done by touching it feeling it. When I am proved wrong, when god strikes me down or gives me a sign I will believe. Up until that point until proof is proven I will cease to believe.
6 months ago: RiGi,

The whole point is God NOT striking you down... didn't you get the memo... "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son?"
6 months ago: Matthew 16:1-4

"The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.

He replied, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.

A wicked and perverse generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away."

The best sign is the sign of the cross. Study the evidence for Christ's resurrection and you will not be disappointed.

Post a Comment
Sign in or sign up to post a comment.
All Categories | Arts & Entertainment  |  Culture & Lifestyle  |  Economy  |  Food  |  Health  |  News & Politics  |  Offbeat  |  People  |  Products  |  Science & Technology  |  Sports  |  Travel

Frequently Asked Questions  |  Community Guidelines  |  Editorial Reviews  |  Get Paid to Post  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Use  |  Contact Us  |  Sitemap  |  Report Spam/Abuse

©2012 RantRave