Nearly SEVENTY Percent of Young Adults Are Leaving the Church After High School | How Should We Respond?

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According to a 2019 study done by Lifeway Research, roughly two-thirds of American young adults who attended a Protestant church regularly as a teenager dropped out of church between the ages of 18 and 22. What are some solutions to this massive exodus from the church? 


1). First, provide solid answers to their skeptical questions. Surveys reveal that while a variety of reasons were given for leaving the church, one of the most common ones was, as early as elementary school, young people have doubts and questions about Christianity that are going unanswered, and many of these questions have to do with the book of Genesis and scientific issues like evolution. That’s why we need to start teaching Genesis as relevant and literal history, and showing that our faith can be defended; it’s okay to have questions, but there are answers out there. 


2). Secondly, show them an example of authentic Christian love. So many people are turned off from the church because they have come across “Christians” who do not show the love and grace of the Lord but instead are perhaps bitter, judgmental, hypocritical- and so they give up on the church because its people have failed them. Christians are not perfect, but we serve a perfect Savior and can strive to live in a way that draws others to Him. It’s important to remember that true Christ-like love is not affirming everyone in their sin- it is kindly telling them the truth and sharing the hope of the gospel with them…and that is what will really win over young people and keep them coming back to church.


3). Third and finally, pray. People often underestimate the power of prayer, but Eph. 6:18 says “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all of the Lord’s people.” We as Christians should pray fervently that the young generation will not walk away from God, rather that there will be a revival unto His glory. 


In conclusion, the solution to the problem of young people abandoning the church is not making the music cooler or compromising the gospel message to align it with the world, or anything else. It is acknowledging and answering the questions of the youth, showing Christlike love that reflects God’s nature, and keeping this generation in our prayers. This in turn means that America will have a generation of teens and young adults strong and bold in their faith and ready to combat a godless culture. 


Sources: 


70% of Teens Quit Church After High School. Here's Why.


Pew Research: Why Young People Are Leaving Christianity | Answers in Genesis


Why some Americans left religion behind




*Note: This post was originally a speech delivered live at a Christian co-op but was adapted and slightly edited for this platform. 

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