Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
Psalms 127:4
I’m a numbers guy, I always have been. Now numbers are not always accurate, but more times than not, they point towards truth and make us go away from opinion or blind feelings. Statistics are very helpful in any setting; money, politics, even the church. When it comes to the church, the numbers are in and they are not looking very good for us. Statistics show that more than ever, young people are leaving the church once turning 18 and show little to no spiritual impact from years within the typical youth group they were raised in once entering adulthood.
When it comes to the church, the numbers are in and they are not looking very good for us.
What these numbers are showing is that the days of the attractive and energetic youth group being the answer of all problems for our young people is over. Over and maybe it should never have been in the first place. The reality of what we are faced with is that what most of us as parents believed was the answer and what most churches strived for is showing to be extremely ineffective. The local church in most cases have achieved short term comfort for young people and parents, while falling short in the long term. The church has provided a place for youth to meet, hold events, and enjoy activities, but numbers are showing that this might be about it. The fact is, our young people within the church are in need of less youth programs, and more discipleship.
I’m a young man, and a young pastor at that, but I have been around long enough to know what people are looking for when it comes to churches. For the average and modern-day family, at the top of that list is a life altering/bursting at the seams youth group. A youth group where many of their friends will also be, relatable and cool activities, and where their children will be excited to go. Who doesn’t want that right? However, numbers tell a story and it seems that what we are often seeking, is not working.
I recently spoke to a dean at a local Christian college concerning the issue of youth and the statistical facts concerning the lack of spiritual influence the church has had on young people during their school-age years as well as the alarming numbers of young people who leave the church once they turn 18. He simply said, “It’s not hard to understand what the problem is, our young are aging out of the typical youth group and once they get into the real world and even the local church as adults, they’re all confused on where all the pizza and lock-ins went.” Young people would tell this professor and dean, that they had spent years in church, even since being a small child and the church for them consisted of ordering pizza on Wednesday nights, movies, and waterpark trips. Events that in themselves, are amazing and great life experiences, but without the Gospel leading all of this, is just that, experiences. Our young people are leaving the church and going into the real world, yes having a good background in memories within the church with their friends, but having no greater sense of the Gospel and their life purpose than the young adult who never stepped foot inside the church. And this is what our parents are seeking, memories not depth.
“It’s not hard to understand what the problem is, our young are aging out of the typical youth group and once they get into the real world and even the local church as adults, they’re all confused on where all the pizza and lock-ins went.”
Now I don’t want you to misunderstand my words, I am a huge fan of living life together within the church. I’m not against building gyms, lock-ins, or ordering pizza. With all of my heart, I believe that the church is a sanctuary and safe-haven for the believer. I believe that we are called to raise aliens of this world and live a life that is radical to everything outside of the church. With that being said, our young people should be able to come to the church, live life together, and experience the goodness of relationships at a young age. I am all for church camps, youth mission trips, and everything else you can think of that goes under living life together as a family within the church. I want my children’s best friends to be kids within our church. At the same time, as I point out, I’m a numbers guy and I’m not in favor of a plan that does not work.
As parents and members within the church, we have to begin choosing a new direction. A direction that works. We have to start equipping our young people, not simply entertaining them. We have to begin looking at what we desire for them long term, not only in the moment. Our children need less youth programs, and more Gospel centered discipleship.
As parents and members within the church, we have to begin choosing a new direction. A direction that works.
The Bible teaches us to raise aliens to this world, as the Psalmist would tell us, Arrows. We have to invested more with our boys, becoming Godly men versus simply boys of an older age. We have to be parents who stop dropping off our children at church, and dedicate our lives to walking with them. This is how the church was meant to be.
When the Gospel is first and discipleship is the churches plan, life experiences will follow. This is when lock-ins, movie nights, and pizza parties are effective. When the foundation of the church is in place. The church was meant to be a family; families spending time together. Growing with one another while leaning on each other during moments of strength and weakness. Through the family, children would worship together, live life together, grow closer together. These are numbers that work.
Blessings,
YOU ARE INVITED………
September 2nd and 9th Hunter and Wendy Jones will be teaching a special Sunday school class on the topic of “Raising Children within the Church”. This is going to be an amazing time as our pastor and his wife lay out the vision for the church and teach on biblical principals on walking with our children in the gift God has given us in his local body. Class starts at 10 am.
We hope to see you there!!
