In 1980, more than 100,000 young adults were baptized on Southern Baptist churches. In 2005, that number dropped to just over 60,000. That's huge when you consider the population growth in America at the same time.
Do the studies contradict one another? Not at all.
First of all, the Christian Post article from our Monday meeting only looked at college students. LifeWay is reporting on people as old as 34. If the numbers are up for 18 to 22 year-olds, and down for 18 to 34 year-olds it's not hard to determine where the drop-off is. What is happening to Christian college students in the later years, or immediately after college?
Second, and possibly in answer to our own question, the Rainer Research quoted Monday showed that Third Place space is most important to people between the ages of 18 and 24. LifeWay concurs,
Seventy-three percent of church members and 47 percent of non-affiliated young adults inidcated that community with other young adults is extremely important in their lives.
The lack of opportunity for connection within the church proves to be a frustration point for young adults. One study participant said, "After graduation they give you a pat on the back and say, 'When you start a family, we'll be here for you.'"
Connection - or the lack thereof - is the number one reason young adults don't find church relevant to their lives.
So if social/Third Place space is the number one thing young adults are looking for in Christian communities - and if attendance is on the rise at college, and falling in local churches - that tells us they are connecting with their peers at college, but not at home.
The question remains: Is your ministry ready for the college students coming home in the next few days and weeks? Where will they meet friends? Will they be comfortable in your church building, or will it feel like their parents' institution?
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