Did You Know?

For those of you that facebook stalk me, you already know this . . . Over the course of the past few weeks I have been researching and reading a lot about young adults, youth ministries, and church-based retention strategies for a literature review project. This project is an assignment from my week-long class earlier this month. For those of you that may not be familiar with literature reviews---the purpose is to identify a problem, issue, or concern in your area of interest; in my case, youth and young adult ministry. After identifying the problem you then research scholarly articles, current findings, and uncover possible solutions to the problem through the literature review process. In my research, I have found some really great stuff! Some of the information I’ve read I already knew, had a hunch, or just good common sense leads you to such conclusions; however, I’ve also read some stuff that was quite interesting. Let me teach you a little about what I’ve discovered . . . .

While pouring over journal article after journal article and monograph after monograph (books) I found myself deeply encouraged and deeply hurt. I was encouraged by the ministries and families I have been a part of and witnessed that work hard to do the very things mentioned. But, at the same time I was hurt by how many ministries and families are failing because they will not open their eyes and change.

With the above in mind, did you know . . . seventy percent of young adults no longer attend church? That leaves only 30 percent active in church life! Among teenagers, nearly 90 percent stress the importance of religion, church attendance, and spirituality. Furthermore, 95 percent of teenagers believe in God! Those are encouraging numbers! And, “fifty percent of teenagers report attending church in the last week; however, only thirty-five percent of young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 report attending church in the past week” (Lindsay, 2003).

Did you know parents are ranked the highest among young adults in regard to religious influence? Parents have the greatest influence upon their children when it comes to church involvement---that’s right parents, they do hear you, see you, and follow you---even if they pretend not to notice what’s going on!

Did you know young adults that were raised by seemingly non-caring, over protective parents rank the highest in church dropout? Yeah, I know you’re thinking of all the kids you knew growing up that had THAT MOM . . . and they don’t go to church anymore do they? I know---I thought of those families too.

Did you know you’re mom was right when she told you, “You are what you hang out with!”? Young adults that lack good, quality, faith-minded, church-going friends are more likely to skip out on church.

Did you know how important mentorship and discipleship really are? Today’s young adults that had meaningful relationships with 2 or more adults that intentionally cared about them, poured into them, and loved them during teenage years are more likely to attend church as young adults.

Did you know youth groups that incorporate true community, a family feel, spiritual depth, and focus on quality spiritual formation reap the most retention benefits? And, young adults that attended youth groups that fostered the things listed above are more likely to remain faithful to the church.

Did you know young adult’s needs are not all that drastically different from teenagers needs? Both groups are looking for meaningful relationships, ways to live out their faith, genuine worship, and a walk that matches the talk. Young adults and teens are looking for the real deal! Too bad tons of churches don’t offer the real deal!

The “did you knows” could go on forever . . . but think about it. If you go to church do you intentionally set an example that shows the younger generations around you that Christ is in you, he is real, he meets needs, and he is worth living for? Do you mentor others? Do you live the way Christ has called us to live? Do you seek ministry opportunities? Do you? Does your church? How many young adults are still active in your church’s ministry? Just think about it.

--Megan