We read the troubling statistics and more than that, we see churches with no young people. Why do teens leave the church? The article below endeavours to answer that question. The main reason this article suggests? "Of all the youth group participation variables we’ve seen, being involved in intergenerational worship and relationship was one of the variables most highly correlated to young people’s faith. So in other words, while it’s great that there are better trained, more called, more specialized paid and volunteer youth leaders—the downside is that the gap between the overall congregation and the youth ministry is growing, which ends up being toxic to young people’s faith."
I believe our church has something to offer as we endeavour to reach teens (and engage the ones we already have). And it really comes down to you and I taking an interest in their lives. There is a place for having events that are focused for just teens, but to really help teens have a strong vibrant faith, it needs to be connected with older believers who are encouraging and intentional about investing in their lives. This is a reminder to "keep going Laurentian" as many are already doing this. But it's also a reminder to be intentional and keep growing in our words and deeds. If God is going to allow us to be a healthy, multi-generational church for the coming decades, we need to pray, look for ways to invest in young people and invite others to connect with our church, but more importantly, begin a relationship with Jesus.
Click here to read the article on churchleaders.com: "Why Do Students Leave Their Faith After Graduation? According to Research, This Is the Biggest Factor".
In Christ,
Pastor Jason
I believe our church has something to offer as we endeavour to reach teens (and engage the ones we already have). And it really comes down to you and I taking an interest in their lives. There is a place for having events that are focused for just teens, but to really help teens have a strong vibrant faith, it needs to be connected with older believers who are encouraging and intentional about investing in their lives. This is a reminder to "keep going Laurentian" as many are already doing this. But it's also a reminder to be intentional and keep growing in our words and deeds. If God is going to allow us to be a healthy, multi-generational church for the coming decades, we need to pray, look for ways to invest in young people and invite others to connect with our church, but more importantly, begin a relationship with Jesus.
Click here to read the article on churchleaders.com: "Why Do Students Leave Their Faith After Graduation? According to Research, This Is the Biggest Factor".
In Christ,
Pastor Jason
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