Bob's Blog

A recent book shared its research on reasons why young people (ages 17-22) leave the church. The age range is significant because of the numbers of young Christians who leave during these years. The dropout rate for 17 to 18 year old is -24% and for ages 18 to 19 it is -29%. These findings have been circulated in other books, articles, and blog posts that cover the "dechurching" of young Christians in America. Here are the Top Ten Reasons Church Dropouts Stopped Attending Church:

1. Simply wanted a break from church.
2. Church members seemed judgmental or hypocritical.
3. Moved to college and stopped attending church.
4. Work responsibilities prevented me from attending.
5. Moved to far way from the church to continue attending.
6. Became too busy, though still wanted to attend.
7. Didn't feel connected to the people in my church.
8. Disagreed with the church's stance on political or social issues.
9. Chose to spend more time with friends outside of church.
10. Was only going to church to please others.

The same research asked the question why young people stay in the church? The results were very encouraging and insightful for churches that were struggling with their own exodus of young believers. Here are some of those reasons.

1. Strong relationships with peers, older adults, and pastor.
2. Church is seen as a vital part of their relationship with God (65%).
3. Committed to the purpose and the work of the church (42%).

Another important discovery was finding the reasons why those who had left the church, then returned back to either the church they grew up in or to another body of believers. The number one reason was because of relationships. Most returned because their parents or another family member encouraged them (39%). Another group returned because of a friend or an acquaintance invited them (21%). Another factor was their relationship with God. Either they felt God was calling them back (28%) or the sensed the need to return to the church.

Research and surveys can be found in Essential Church? Reclaiming a Generation of Dropouts.

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 8:34 AM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.