‘Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.’ John 20:21

This statement from Elder’s Digest July/ September 2015, resonated with me.

Like no generation before, our young people have access to limitless information. They live in a world where social media is redesigning the way people interact. They live in a world filled with innumerable ideas, belief systems, and ways of life.

This world certainly does not answer their deep soul questions, but all too often, their church does not offer relevant answers to their questions either.

Keeping in mind that this is an American study, these were the 7 reasons why young people leave churches,

1. They want to take a break from church.

2. They are turned off by judgmental attitudes and hypocrisy in the church.

3. They have moved to another community.

4. Their work responsibilities conflict with their church attendance.

5. They have a busy social life.

6. They are weary of church politics.

7. Their attendance was based only on the desire to please others

Now my church isn’t blessed with an abundance of young people but I think that the reasons could be just as easily levelled at any age group. Have you got folk in your church who have stopped coming? Do you know the reasons why? Could you be that reason?

Instead of thinking that retention is just the job of one of the ministries in the church, get involved. Reach out to someone the way that Jesus is constantly reaching out to you.

Heritage Singers Quartet sing ‘Reach out and touch’ from 1979. Click on the picture to listen.