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Generation Ex-Christian: Why Young Adults Are Leaving the Faith...

by Lisa Birle

I just finished Drew Dyck’s book “Generation Ex-Christian: Why Young Adults Are Leaving the Faith…and How to Bring Them Back.”  I’ve been involved in college ministry for eight years, and I recognize that young adults are continually leaving their faith, but this book explored why they do.  In fact, “Generation Ex-Christian” is the first research-based book that thoroughly explains the whys of leavers.  I had a hard time putting it down, because as I read, names of friends who have walked away from church or their faith on some level or another kept entering my mind.  This book broke my heart for college students who once knew and loved Jesus, but for one reason or another, left him in the dust as they transitioned from youth to adulthood.

The book is well-organized and easy to read.  The contents page easily shows how the book is broken down into six main sections; each section highlights a type of leaver and explores the thought, pain, childhood experiences, sin, or confusion that lead them to decide to dismiss Jesus.  Dyck identifies six main categories of leavers—postmodern leavers, recoilers, modern leavers, neo-pagans, rebels, and drifters.  Each section ends with practical steps that we can take to speak to, reach, and engage with leavers.  Armed with an understanding of why they left better equips us to address their specific concerns.

For example, I now realize that I should avoid arguing the legitimacy of the gospel based on reason with a postmodern leaver, because they don’t believe reason is the way to truth.  Instead, I can build trust with them by inviting them to serve with me, because many of them are socially conscious and very concerned for the marginalized and poor.

I now understand that recoilers have often tragically suffered abuse in the name of God, and when they felt wounded by God, decided he didn’t exist.  They also were hurt mostly in the context of relationships, so healing must also come in that context.  My best approach in caring for them is to empathize, not argue, and to point them to the cross, a symbol and promise to all who suffer that even the worst injustice can lead to redemption.

I see that modern leavers abandon their faith for intellectual reasons.  They love to debate, they love objective truth, and they love rational reasoning.  To reach modern leavers, I must do my homework and be prepared to give good answers to questions about my faith, listening to them and asking questions about their worldview in the process.

I understand that Wiccans (or neo-pagans), have been heavily influenced by feminism, the environmental movement, secularism, and consumerism.  They are also enraged that Christians spread false rumors about them—that they worship Satan and sacrifice animals.  So I should communicate a familiarity with their beliefs, demonstrate a care for creation and the environment, and highlight women in ministry as we share spiritual experiences.

I know that moral rebels just want to party and have a good time, and spiritual rebels don’t want anything to do with submitting to an all-powerful deity.  Rebels value their autonomy.  I see that underneath their rebellious behavior is a thirst for adventure and purpose, and I can show them the adventure, sacrifice, and risk of the gospel while demonstrating the freedom that comes from serving God.

I now recognize that some young people just drift from their faith gradually, almost imperceptibly.  Drifters learn spiritual truth through atmosphere, so I know to invite them to places where they’ll hear the gospel and be around other Christians.

Figuring out why young people walk away from Jesus is key to learning how to effectively adapt our approach to connecting with them.  After all, Jesus never approached two people the same way.  The gospel doesn’t change, but the way we share it should.  This book has given me a ton of insight into understanding why so many young people are walking away from a God they once knew, loved, and worshiped.  It’s also helped me feel equipped as someone involved in college ministry to engage and care for those who have stepped away from their faith more effectively.

I also appreciated that Dyck pointed out the importance of prayer in this book.  “I’m convinced we can give our loved ones who have strayed no greater gift than time spent in the presence of God on their behalf.  Please, ramble, cry, rage—but don’t stop.”  When we pray for prodigals, we are praying according to God’s will.

Dyck’s introduction of the book includes speaking about the parable of the sheep, and that the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one that wandered away.  It’s a great illustration of God’s heart for the lost…for those who have wandered from him.  This book will help us in our pursuit of those lost sheep.  More than sheep, the book is about the Good Shepherd, and that ultimately it is HE who deeply cares for them and longs for their return.  May we search for those wandering sheep who are dotting our communities, and take heart knowing that the Good Shepherd is already searching for them…

3 Tips for Starting a College Ministry

by Brad Baker

1 in 4 Millennials report not having a specific religious affiliation.  What a perfect time to launch a ministry to reach and develop 18-25 year olds.  If you wondering where to begin allow me to share some ideas (most of which come from my mistakes and what I wish I would have done when I begin 12 years ago). 

#1.  Think of yourself as a cross-cultural missionary

Today’s access to technology (on average Millennials own 2.4 internet connected devices) has fragmented this generation into thousands of sub-cultures huddled around their particular area of interest, talent or expertise.  Name the area of interest and Millennials now have a global community they can access 24/7.  This means to reach people we’ll likely need to ‘break’ into their world a bit.  Add to this that every campus has its own set of unwritten cultural rules and ‘missionary’ becomes the right title for the typical college ministry leader.

#2.  Build a team from the start

No matter how passionate and gifted you won’t be very effective in college ministry without first recognizing your limitations.  The effective college ministry leader needs student leaders, parental-figure leaders, peer leaders, older mentors and so on.  Without sharing the ministry load you’ll likely burn out or limit your ministry to the 10 or so you can invest in personally.

#3.  Do everything with your end goal in mind

Far too many ministries master meeting students “where they are” but forget to think much about where they want to take them after the connection is made.  Self-feeding, local-church committed and quickly advancing to adulthood (relationally, emotionally and spiritually) are a few of the end goals I work towards.  Keep in mind they won’t be in your college ministry long and you must do everything you can to integrate them into a local church.  Isn’t that where we want them to put down long term roots?  This is particularly vital if you're a campus-based ministry leader and tend to operate somewhat isolated from the local congregations around you.  If they fall in love with your campus ministry instead of the local church you’ve done them a huge disservice.  After graduation they will scratch their heads wondering what happened to their cozy little community and context for spiritual renewal/growth. 

The majority of the fuel for any space mission is used during the launch.  If you’re at the beginning of your journey to reach and disciple college students take heart!   Starting a college ministry is well worth the effort because the payout is ‘life-change’.  Life-change lasts forever!  Transformation only comes when God’s people willing surrender to the work of leading others to Jesus.  What could be more important?  Nothing!           

Crash Course in College Ministry

by Brad Baker

After years of being under-resourced and poorly networked, the tide seems to be slowly turning in the college ministry world.  It thrills me to see more and more quality books written on the topic and local churches finally understanding the importance of ministry to the collegians in their area.  My team and I have recently spent loads of time investigating the state of college ministry in its various expressions and contexts.  It seems there are more quality leaders pouring their time, energy, and money into the college students of our country than ever before.  This fills my heart with hope for a fresh movement of God among Millennials.  Although most of the statistics floating around today regarding the next generation are discouraging and need to be carefully considered, there are actually a lot of positive signs pointing to a Gospel-receptivity among Millennials.  The time is now for college ministry leaders to not only serve in their local context but to assist in raising up others to do the same.  Imagine the exponential impact of every existing college ministry leader helping a rookie leader pioneer a new work to reach Millennials.   For existing leaders to do this effectively, they must first admit they don’t have it all figured out and move quickly to round out their understanding. 

Here’s what I’d like to recommend every college ministry leader to in the next 2-3 months:

#1.  Identify one or two people that have the potential to launch a college ministry in a largely unreached setting. 

#2.  Regularly meet with this person(s) and begin talking and praying through the possibilities.  Make sure you don’t get hung up on WHAT it will exactly look like or HOW it will come into being, but rather agree that it DOES need to happen and commit to working together to make it happen. 

#3.  Ask a small group of people to help you read through the best college ministry books on the market and share all the learning with your mentee.  I asked my team (comprised of volunteers, interns, and staff) to pick one of the books listed below and respond in 3 ways.  First, as they read the book they will highlight things that could be applied in our ministry.  Second, they will write a short book review that summarizes the book’s main points.  Third, they will write a blog post centered what they decide is the most important aspect of the book for college ministry leaders in general.

Here’s the list they picked from:

College Ministry from Scratch by Chuck Bomar

College Ministry in a Post-Christian Culture by Stephen Lutz

God on Campus by Trent Sheppard and Pete Greig

The Millennials by Tom and Jess Rainer

Essential Church by Thom S. Rainer and Sam S. Rainer

Generation X-Christian by Drew Dyck

Worlds Apart by Chuck Bomar

Slow Fade by Reggie Joiner, Chuck Bomar and Abbie Smith

The Blueprint by Jaeson Ma

Lost in Transition by Christian Smith, Kari Christoffersen, Hilary Davidson and Patricia Snell Herzog

 #4.  Attend a college ministry training gathering of some sort. Big conferences can be inspirational and definitely have their place but I find smaller gatherings that allow you to bring your specific pressing questions into the mix are often more helpful.  If there’s not one in your area then organize one.  Spend the day talking shop with 5-10 college ministry leaders in your area and you’ll be better for it.      

There has always been urgency in ministry for those in their late teens and early twenties.  It’s a strategic window in someone’s life that closes almost as quickly as it blooms.  Here’s what I believe is different about college ministry in 2011 and beyond.  The millennial generation is poised for an unprecedented spiritual movement.  Their longing for social justice and spiritual curiosity will take them in 1 or 2 directions.  American culture is becoming increasingly polarized between those who buy into humanistic/secular philosophy and those who are holding a biblical Christ-centered world view.  The students in our area will end up in one of those two ‘camps’.  Do you want to have say in which direction they go?  

Why I Love Ministry to College Students (and you should too)

by Stephen Lutz

If you’re like me, you have conversations on a fairly regular basis where you explain to people why you value working with college students. I’ve used a simple acronym, PATHS, to remind myself and others why this ministry is so important. PATHS stands for Priority, Ambition, Trajectory, Heart, and Strategic.

Priority: During the college years, it seems everything is up for grabs. Students are confronted with hundreds of options about what to do for fun, what to study, who to be friends with, and more. We know that many students leave the church (and their faith) when they get to college, sometimes doing this emphatically and painfully. But many others simply put their faith on the shelf. It recedes in importance, getting crowded out and eventually strangled by the cares of this world (Matt 13:22).  One of the best things we can do as campus ministers is to help our students prioritize their faith in Christ above all else in everyday life.

Ambition: Many students dream big, and many of those dreams center on themselves. This is, after all, what our culture has conditioned them to do. Our work as campus ministers must help them reimagine what true success, meaning, and fulfillment looks like, from God’s perspective. We must call students to let their lives be shaped by an abiding, driving,  holy ambition for the Kingdom of God to come in everything they do.  Even those who want to “change the world” must have their ambitions enlarged, to center on the infinite glory of God and what He is able to do, not our weak, small, self-centered dreams.

Trajectory: When a rocket takes flight, a navigational error of even a fraction of a degree can mean the rocket ends up in a radically different place than what was intended. Great care goes into plotting the early stages of flight, because they have a huge impact on the final destination. In the same way, college ministry must be concerned with the long-term direction of our students, not just the here-and-now. Our goal should be to see students equipped for lifelong faithfulness, not merely entertaining or sheltering them on the way to the rest of their lives. We take an active role in guiding students through the seemingly insignificant decisions during college that are profoundly formative for the rest of their lives.

Heart: College students (like many of us) don’t start out with a great deal of self-knowledge. Even for those who become serious about their faith, it can easily become an externally directed program of moral behavior modification. Campus ministers help students understand themselves at the heart level, and to embrace how the Gospel changes us from the inside-out. We are after far more than a pharisaical avoidance of certain 3D, HD sins common to the college years—we’re after full transformation, a transformation that starts with the heart and works its way out into every area of life.

Strategic: It’s my conviction that there is no more strategic area of ministry in the world than reaching college students. In college ministry, we get to engage with students during some of the most formative years of their lives. We reach them before the window of opportunity closes for many of them in the mid-20s. We get to lead future leaders, from virtually every tribe, tongue and nation from all around the world.  We get to influence students amidst the unique marketplace of ideas that make up Higher Ed. In short, if we reach college students, we will reach the world.  Virtually every other social and political movement in the world realizes this, and makes it a priority. So should we.  The degree to which we reach college students now will have a profound effect on the future of Christianity in North America and the world.

I’ve found that all of these reasons, taken together, are compelling.  Amidst the countless cups of coffee, pieces of pizza, texts, meetings, Facebook messages, gatherings, tweets, emails, and calls that make up everyday college ministry, PATHS reminds me of the big picture. God loves college students, and we have the privilege of serving them during this pivotal season of life.

::Stephen Lutz is a pastor, and a thinker and practitioner in campus ministry. He is the author of College Ministry in a Post-Christian Culture (The House Studio, Fall 2011). He has worked for churches and parachurch ministries, and served in urban and suburban campus contexts. He currently serves with Calvary Church and CCO (Coalition for Christian Outreach) at Penn State in University Park, PA.  Before returning to Penn State (his alma mater) for ministry, he helped plant a church in Philadelphia, PA and worked with students at several Philly area schools. Steve received his M.Div from Westminster Theological Seminary. His interests include reaching college students, starting churches, innovation and entrepreneurship, and Penn State and Philly sports. He lives with his wife Jessica and their three children in Boalsburg, PA. He blogs at http://stevelutz.wordpress.com and tweets @stephenlutz.::

Transition in Technicolor

 

by Brad Baker

Almost everything in the lives of college students and twenty-somethings is in flux.  In fact, the transitional season of those in late adolescence has extended for those in the Millennial Generation.  Sociologists tell us that people are marrying later, finishing college later, and settling into a career path later.  The massive changes felt by those entering and exiting late adolescence is enough to overwhelm and even paralyze the typical college student. The logistical side of all the change is only part of the picture for our students.  The far more important shift taking place is within them; the ultimate landing spot of their worldview is up for grabs.  This is why there must be an urgency and intentionality in our ministry to Millennials.  Urgent because we only have them for a few years and we need to provide guidance and comfort as they weather the long storm that is late adolescence.  Intentionality because they’re asking specific questions that will get answered one way or another.  If we don’t help them find answers then someone else will, and we have little to no control over who that ‘someone’ might be.

Here’s a bit about how we’ve structured things in our ministry to accommodate the above realities. 

#1.  We know what each context in our ministry is meant to accomplish

Large Group Time—EXPOSE people to the God of the Bible, the work of Jesus and his purpose for their lives (community, discipleship, ministry, mission and worship).

Medium and Small Groups—EXPERIENCE the God of the Bible, the work of Jesus and his purpose of their lives (community, discipleship, ministry, mission and worship).       

Individual Life—EXPRESS the realities of the God of the Bible, the work of Jesus and his purpose for their lives (community, discipleship, ministry, mission and worship).      

#2.  We try to offer a balanced diet to our students.  Our large group, small group and individual life programs focus on the complete expression of his heart.  We balance sermon content, small group studies and individual resources/opportunities between the following:

Community—You were made for God’s family.  

Discipleship—God wants you to daily grow to be more like him.

Ministry—God has uniquely designed you to server his church, your community and the world at large (personality, passions, spiritual gifts, abilities and experiences).

Mission—Your life is meant to tell the story of God’s heart.  You are made to share Jesus with those that don’t yet know him.

Worship—You are meant to see God’s glory and respond with a surrendered life. 

#3.  We are ready to adapt our methods on the fly to meet an ever-changing culture and generation with the healing, freeing message of Jesus.  In other words, the above ministry template is just a framework.  The framework isn’t black and white and it’s only the leadership team, with the help of the Holy Spirit, that make it come to life in a way that connects in our unique ministry setting.  For example, we did an entire series a few years back called “Friend Me” to recognize how Facebook was changing social interaction for our students.    

Worlds Apart…

 
 
by Brad Baker

Got to hang with two great friends and fellow college ministry leaders at www.Threadconference.com in Santa Clarita.  Any time I spend Ron Merrell and Chuck Bomar is well spent.  Ron’s ministry is thriving!  His college students stepped up and pulled together an inspiring 2 night/4 session conference to help Millennials figure out what to do with their lives.  I had the privilege of inviting the attendees to join the Radicalis Movement and register for the 4-dayRadacalis Festival of message, music and art in June of 2012 (www.radicalis.com).  The trip was topped up with a La Quinta continental breakfast with Chuck.  We talked about our growing families, writing, church planting and college ministry.  He recently came out with a new point called “Worlds Apart” and it’s a MUST read for college ministry leaders in any context as well as parents of 18-25-year-olds.  Enjoy the description and endorsements below…happy reading!    

The life stage of 18-25-year-olds is completely different than it was in previous eras. In just one generation, we see contrasts that used to take two to three generations to surface. This shift has created frustration and confusion with those of older generations. Parents recognize this is a completely different world and struggle to relate the world of their child. Others throw their arms up in bewilderment, assuming they'll never understand. And many church leaders wish they'd 'just grow up.' In this book, Chuck Bomar brings understanding, comfort, and direction to all of this. You'll learn: how the development of higher education has effected much of the separation between generational worlds -the irreversible ways in which this generation has been impacted and how today's college-aged person differs from the typical thoughts and values of older generations -the differences in life pursuits that cause major tension points between generations and how to navigate those. Through profiles of college-aged people and testimonies of parents, you'll explore in-depth issues college-age people face, how they process through them, and what influences their decisions so you can effectively bring your world together with theirs.

"I always read everything Chuck writes because he writes with not just his research and experience but with passion, love and belief in this generation."
Dan Kimball, author They Like Jesus But Not The Church

"Personally, as the father of three adolescents, this book was an important and relevant read for me. Professionally, as the president of an evangelistic ministry, this book was an essential and strategic read"

Kevin Palau, President, Luis Palau Association

"From one of the leading experts on college students, Chuck Bomar, World's Apart gives us a solid, clear and empowering resource for coming alongside these emerging adults. When I want to learn about college students, I read Chuck Bomar."
Chap Clark, PhD
Professor of Youth, Family, and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary

 In Worlds Apart Chuck gives us a deep perspective for parents from the front lines of ministry.  Wondering what your college students might be thinking right now?  Chuck can tell you.
Reggie Joiner, Founder and CEO of Orange

"Before we race off to construct lame programs and structures that miss the mark, we could all benefit from increased understanding.  Thankfully, Chuck Bomar has arrived with this book that offers just that."  Mark Oestreicher, The Youth Cartel

From Sexy to Practical

by Lisa Birle

It's trendy to be part of a cause, but when it comes down to it, not many people believe in something enough for it to impact or change the way they live their lives. It's easy to wear a rubber bracelet or to purchase something you normally would that just happens to benefit a cause. But when a world problem asks more of us, the answer is often no.

That needs to change, and our generation can be the voice that says “no more.” No more spiritual emptiness. No more world poverty or pandemic diseases. No more pain. Our generation can also be a voice that says “YES.” Yes, we can take part in stopping civil wars and helping place millions of orphans into loving homes. YES, we can live so in-tune with the Gospel and the movement of the Spirit that we see our communities transforming before our eyes. In fact, some of these things are and have been happening!

Some of the most compassionate and mobilized people on this planet are college-age students and young adults. They are not afraid to sacrifice their time or money or energy or resources. They do what it takes to make a difference in the lives that society has ignored and forgotten. This summer, Crave (Saddleback’s college ministry) hosted a three-day festival called “Radicalis,” an event of music, messages, art, workshops, and prayer designed to inspire and mobilize a generation to DO SOMETHING about the millions around the world that suffer because of spiritual emptiness, extreme poverty, pandemic diseases, corrupt leadership, and a lack of education.

Hundreds of college students and ministry leaders from San Diego to Santa Barbara attended this event, featuring special guests Rick and Kay Warren, Pete Wilson, Brad Baker, Phil Wickham, and Josh Fox. Student and volunteer artists displayed countless works of interactive art, including paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, performances, and video media. These artists were nothing more than talented students who have been moved by their experiences with serving those who society has deemed the least, the last, and the lost. Their artwork was a response to God’s cry to love those the world has forgotten. These students aren't rich or spiritual nutcases or bored. They are just ordinary people--18 to 25-year-olds--responding to God's call to serve and love. And it's not always easy finding the courage or strength to be obedient to that call...

The vision of the Radicalis movement is to host an annual gathering of college students and young adults who believe love and innovation can change the world can come together…can become a mobilized generation of people that does something about the things the world that trouble us the most…can set aside theological and denominational differences to foster change in our communities, workplaces, and schools through the local church…

Radicalis is about the forgotten, neglected, abused and broken finding hope in the love and power of Jesus Christ. Be part of this movement and be part of a group of people who will challenge you about what denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following God really means (Mark 8:34). Radicalis is for radicals only.

2012 dates have been set. June 27-30th, 2012 Registration begins at www.Radicalis.com on Monday September 19th. Visit the site today for a recap video of the 2011 event.

Mobilizing a Generation to Change the World...

 
Radicalis 2011 is a wrap!  The 3-day outdoor festival of message, music and art was centered on God's compassionate heart for the last, the least and the lost.  College-age young adults from all over Southern California put aside denominational and theological differences to soak in God's heart of love together with the end goal of making him famous through their lives.  5 main sessions, 13 workshops and countless arts pieces later many in attendance made fresh resolutions to surrender their lives to God and his purposes. 

The dates for 2012 have already been set.  On June 27-30th thousands of college students and twenty-somethings from all over the country will come together for year 2 of this annual event. 

Early bird registration for Radicalis 2012 will open in 2 weeks.  Visit www.Radicalis.com after September 5th for all the details. 

 

3 Days, 15 speakers, 1 purpose...

Radicalls 2011 Church Intro from Crave on Vimeo.

Empowering a Generation to Launch a Movement of love!  

Visit www.Radicalis.com to Register!  

Rick Warren Pulled Me Aside...

 
 
 by Brad Baker

Pastor Rick pulled me aside after the New Year and began talking to me about a vision stirring in his heart and mind for the college students of our country.  Rick fully believers the Millennials are a “Reformation Generation” that will forever change the spiritual climate of our country and world.  The more I’ve prayed and listened to him share the more my heart has filled with anticipation.  Could this generation help plant a church in every one of the remaining unreached people groups?  Could this generation stop a civil war and help place millions of forgotten orphans into loving homes?  Could this generation be so in-tune with the Gospel and the movement of the Spirit that they see their communities transform right before their eyes.  The answer is “YES”.  Some of these things are and have been happening! 

This summer we aim to pull dozens of Southern Californian churches and college ministries together for a 3 day gathering called ‘Radicalis’.  The gathering is designed to celebrate and marinate in God’s heart for the lost, poor, abused, sick, forget and oppressed.  Rick will share his passion and vision for mobilizing this generation.  He will introduce the idea of an annual collegiate festival that will go national in 2012.   Existing church-to-church based missional work will be highlighted.

Attached is the 1 page on the event and below is some additional information.

::RADICALIS::  An Annual Gathering of College Students and Young Adults

Why::   Join us as local college ministries from churches all over Southern California unite for a unique three-day outdoor festival experience.  Camp at our beautiful Rancho Capistrano campus and experience the heart of God through the arts, music, workshops, serving, and prayer experiences.  As one body, our desire for this weekend is to see a generation of hearts be mobilized by God’s power to do something about the millions in our country and around the world that suffer because of spiritual emptiness, extreme poverty, pandemic diseases, corrupt leaders and a lack of education.  Join Pastor Rick Warren, worship artist Phil Wickham, and additional speakers and artists as our generation rises up to take their place and respond to God’s call to love those who the world has forgotten.

Speakers:: Rick Warren, Pete Wilson (www.withoutwax.tv  www.crosspoint.tv) and others
Artists:: Phil Wickham, Josh Fox (www.joshfoxmusic.com) and othersand others

Date & Location:: August 11-13^th (Thursday Night to Saturday Noon)

Rancho Capistrano—29251 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Accommodations:: Tent camping is the primary means of housing for this event.  Each church will be assigned a group of camp sites on arrival. RV parking will also be available (dry sites only).  Showers and bathrooms will be provided on-site.

Food:: Venders will be on site to provide options for snacks and meals.  Note that food and beverages are not covered in the cost of registration. 

 Tickets and Pricing::   

Early bird Price (before July 1^st)      $25 per person

Regular Price    (after July 1^st)         $35 per person

TO REGISTER::

FOR LOCAL CHURCHES—Contact your college pastor about registering, or call 949-609-8661.  crave.saddleback.com.

FOR CRAVE STUDENTS—Buy your wristband at Crave on Thursday nights, in the office during the week, or call Lisa at 949-609-8661.

Where are the 20-somethings?

 
 
My dear friend Aaron Stern leads a vibrant college ministry in Colorado Springs (www.themillonline.org).  I met Aaron in college and his heart for God and others porfoundly shaped me at a very pivitol time in my life.  His influence on me has been reproduced in so many others.  He's a sage in the college ministry world!  Enjoy the read....

by Aaron Stern (aaronstern.com)

What does it take to get college/20-somethings engaged in church? I hear this question often from college pastors around the country. It doesn’t seem to matter if their ministry happens in a booming college town or a quiet suburb – this demographic seems to be AWOL in the Christian community.

Maybe it shouldn’t surprise us given the recent research. Barna found that “Americans in their twenties are significantly less likely than any other age group to attend church services, to donate to churches, to be absolutely committed to Christianity, to read the Bible, or to serve as a volunteer...” While frequently active in church during their high school years, only 3 out of 10 attend church consistently during their 20’s[1]. I know of one church which experienced 12 percent growth church-wide and a simultaneous six percent decline in 18-28 year olds.

Grim statistics like these prompt questions. Where are they? What will draw them? And how do we get them to stay? The answers are important to be sure, but sometimes I wonder if we are asking the wrong question. Maybe the answer is not in response to a question at all, but rather found in an encounter – a consistent meeting with the God who knows them personally, sees their dreams, hopes, disappointments and failures and loves them regardless.  

Somewhat of a mystery even to me, theMILL, our college/20-somethings ministry, has more than 1,000 who gather to worship and hear teaching from the Bible every week -- on Friday nights!  They are hungry – eager to grow and be changed. They long for a foundation of truth upon which to build their lives. They desire community, to know others deeply and to be known. They come to experience the presence of God.

My goal is not to get them into church, though I believe in the community of believers. It is not to gain access to their finances or service, though I find them eager to give and help when they understand the purpose. My deepest desire is to create an environment – an experience, if you will – where they meet God in powerful, personal ways, understand how they fit into the bigger picture, and find a place to belong.

This approach reminds me of a waitress who not only attends theMILL but is actively involved in our leadership team. She fits the prototype -- grew up in a Christian home, discovered doubt, drifted away from God and found less holy things instead. She developed a deep dislike of religion. Then a friend invited her to come to theMILL. It took awhile but she came and she found Jesus. Ask her and she will tell you what keeps her coming back – a dynamic relationship with God.

Or consider the story of a young man who found Christ in high school, attended church regularly and then began wrestling with depression. He became so filled with shame over his lifestyle choices that he decided to kill himself by driving into a pole. While working up the courage, he found himself heading in the direction of theMILL on a Friday night and decided to stop in for a final good-bye to his friends. The sermon that night was on the secrets we keep. He confessed his secrets and received prayer and healing. Coincidence? He doesn’t think so. He believes God rescued him.

Both of these individuals have one thing in common -- Jesus. And that, I believe, is the core of the issue. It’s possible to create a college/20-somethings ministry with the most experienced worship leaders and thought-out sermons, the best graphics and multi-media presentations; but I would argue, that unless you are creating a place where people encounter the living God and find deep, healthy community, they will not stay. How do we get them back? The answer lies in the same place as it does for you and for me – God Himself.

 

---

[1] Twentysomethings Struggle to Find Their Place in Christian Churches.  September 24, 2003.  The Barna Group.  April 4, 2008  http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=149

“College Students Are Flaky”

 
My friend Chuck Bomar shared these interseting thoughts a few months back on his blog. http://www.collegeministrythoughts.com

By Chuck Bomar

A common stigma for college-age people is that they’re “flakey.”  I wanted to throw out a few quick thought’s on this:

(1) It’s true in some cases, but not all.  In fact, over the years I’ve ran into more college age people that wouldn’t be characterized as flakey than those who are.

(2) I’ve found that they’re only flakey in things they don’t find valuable.  So, if they’re flakey in our ministry we ought to be asking why they don’t find it valuable.

(3) If they are flakey, we shouldn’t be surprised.  Inconsistency of life and thought is the reason college age people are considered to be late-adolescents (from a sociological perspective).

(4) If we get excited about the teachable moments of this rather than frustrated with inconsistency we can have very meaningful and great disciple-shaping conversations.

(5) Patience and a willingness to pay the price of time is what we need.

The Reality of Late Adolescence

 
by Brad Baker, College Pastor--Saddleback Church

Time Magazine’s cover story in January 2005 was entitled “They Just Won’t Grow Up”.  In it they outline the new realities of late adolescence in America.  They discovered that 39% of people 18-24 don’t consider themselves adults.  Add to this that 20% of 26 year olds are still living with their parents.  This is double what it was in 1970.  I learned this the hard way when I first moved from Oklahoma to California to fill the college pastor position at Saddleback Church.  In Oklahoma we lived in Norman.  Roughly 95% of the students that I worked with there didn’t live with mom and/or dad.  This is in stark contrast to Southern California where about 70% of the students in our ministry still live at home.  While speaking to them one night, shortly after taking the job, I made flippant comment to the affect that it would be totally lame to be 24 and still living at home.  The audience gasped and then booed. Ooops!  I made up for it later that night by taking multiple rides on the mechanical bull they’d rented in honor of their new pastor who’d moved from the sticks of Oklahoma.  Luckily the fences where mended. 

Let’s get back to the numbers.  One poll showed that only half of those age 18-29 considered themselves financially independent.  Add to this that the average age of marriage has gone up 5-7 years for males and females since 1950.  There’s no denying that late adolescence America has expanded dramatically in recent years.  The emphasis of a college education coupled with this generation’s intense desire to find a career path that’s meaningful are just a few of the factors that have created this new age-stage.  In 1950 only 9% of 18-24 year attended a degree granting institution of higher learning.  Today that number has jumped to over 65%.   So 65% of this generation will attend college or university and take on average between 5-7 years to complete that education.  Theoretically they won’t even begin to think about settling down until 25 or 27 and that’s if everything goes smooth.   

So you can see what’s happening can’t you.  Churches that are unaware of this change or that choose to live in denial of it end up alienating an entire demographic.  Did I mention there are 73 million in the millennial generation?   Churches that just expect the average 22, 23 year old to assimilate into their larger church body are dreaming.  This unique age stage requires lots of TLC.  And without it they simply disappear from the life of the church of most churches.