Here are some stats from a study done years ago by LifeWay Research. We wish they would do another study using today’s young adults, because we think these stats are changing with the world’s decline.
70% of 18-22 year olds leave the Church for a period of time; some forever, but many return some time later.
97% of those that left indicate the below were the reasons:
- They simply wanted a break from church
- They had moved to college
- Their work made it impossible or difficult to attend
- Because of their Church or Pastor, with the below reasons:
- Church members seemed judgmental or hypocritical
- They didn’t feel connected to the people at their church
- Church members were unfriendly and unwelcoming
It is important to note that 52% indicated some sort of religious, ethical or political beliefs as the reason they dropped out. In other words, about 52% changed their Christian views. Maybe they didn’t believe what the church taught, or they didn’t believe what they perceived others in the church to believe.
YAoW Ministries feels that most of the reasons young adults leave the church are the below:
- They faith was not personally their own, it was their parents
- After high school, all of their Christian friends moved away, so they lost their Christian community
- They don’t have a place to meet and hang out with other young adult Christians to continue that community; a place that is open often and not just once per week
When talking with people about this problem, some say:
- “This is just normal, and is the way it has always been”
This doesn’t mean it isn’t a problem, or that God isn’t calling us to address it. - “All of the young adults have gone away to college and that is why they are not in Church”
There are colleges and universities all across this nation, including your city. So that means there are plenty of young adults all around us that need saved and need a Christian community. - “They are busy going to school, and working to pay off school”
Many young adults are very busy with work and school, however, they always find time to hang out with their friends and go do things. So they could go to a place that they think is cool to hang out with their friends and meet other Christians. - “They leave but then they come back”
Actually some never come back, but even if they do return, what happens if they die prior to coming back? Were they really saved, or was their faith their parents?
YAoW Ministries wants to address this issue by creating fun, safe and Godly places for young adults to hang out and meet other Christians. A place where they will hear the word of God through music, and can be challenged to mature in Christ and make their faith their own. Also a place where non-saved young adults will feel welcome, and will be introduced to Christ.
Today, will you donate your time or finances to help us open a location in Dallas, and then open others in cities across the US?
For more information on these statistics, see an article at Christianity Today.
