20 Somethings

I got the chance this Tuesday night to go and speak at Grinnell College for their campus ministry. It was exciting to see the students there worshipping and wanting to grow closer to God. As many of you know, I was a young adult pastor for two years. I have a passion to see college students come to know the Lord and grow deeper with Him. Sadly to say, the church is loosing the battle when it comes to 20-somethings. Here is the blog from Catalystspace.com:

"A Barna study finds most 20-somethings disengage from active participation in the Christian faith during their young adult years despite 61% being involved in a church as a teen. 50% of teens attend a church-related service or activity in a typical week and more than three-quarters discuss matters of faith with peers. However, only 20% of 20-somethings have maintained a level of spiritual activity consistent with their high school experiences. Just 33% of 20-somethings who are parents regularly take their kids to church, vs. 40% of parents in their 30s and 50% who are 40 or older. Most 20-somethings maintain outward allegiance to Christianity: 78% say they are Christians, vs. 83% of teens. 20-somethings are 70% more likely than older adults to strongly assert if they “cannot find a local church that will help them become more like Christ, they will find people and groups that will, and connect with them instead of a local church.” They are also less likely to believe “a person’s faith in God is meant to be developed by involvement in a local church.” Much of the activity of young adults takes place outside congregations. "

One of the core values of this church is to reach every generation. This includes children, youth and young adults. The church must be a place where young adults can come, feel accepted and be able to express their questions about God and spiritual things. I was once again reminded of this while I was at Grinnell. Young adults are spiritual hungry, but we as a church must provide a place where they can be fed.