An astronomical number of Christian young people are leaving the faith after they leave the nest. A recent New LifeWay Research survey shows that two-thirds of Christian youth stop attending church for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22.

A study from the Assemblies of God shows that “at least half and possibly over two-thirds of Christian young people will step away from the faith while attending a non-Christian college or university.” A similar study from the Southern Baptist Convention “indicates that they are currently losing 70-88% of their youth after their freshman year in college.”

In her recent book, Mama Bear Apologetics, Hillary Morgan Ferrer offers a somber reality when it comes to our Christian teens and twenty-somethings: “Most studies indicate between 45%-48% of youth leave the church after their freshman year in college and never return.” (pg. 27)

If the massive youth exodus we are experiencing in the church doesn’t concern us as parents, it should.

In this “Best Of” re-airing of CPCW’s inaugural episode, Catherine breaks down what is happening to youth in our churches, so we as parents can understand how to counteract this trend. And Catherine offers a very encouraging UPDATE on her journey as a parent of a child who has struggled in the faith. 

RESOURCES & EPISODES REFERENCED:

The Prodigal Bundle (free resource with Scripture list)

Episode 2: What Is the Key for Our Kids to Have an Authentic Faith?

CP/CW Prayer Series:

Episode 12: What To Do if Your Child Walks Away from the Faith

Episode 13: 4 Types of Prayer Every Believer Should Know

Episode 14: How To Battle for Your Kids in Prayer

Episode 15: What Should I Expect When I Battle in Prayer?

BOOKS REFERENCED:

Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies, by Hillary Morgan Ferrer

You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving the Church… and Rethinking Faith by David Kinnaman

Why Christian Kids Leave the Faith by Tom Bisset

ARTICLES REFERENCED:

See Catherine’s supplemental article on Crosswalk: “Christian Kids Are Leaving the Faith. What Can We Do About It?” 

“Most Teenagers Drop Out of Church When They Become Young Adults,” Lifeway Research

“Young adults are dropping out of church in large numbers, survey finds. This is Why,” USA Today

“Are Young People Really Leaving Christianity,” Cold Case Christianity

“The Tops Reasons Young People Drop Out of Church,” by Griffen Paul Jackson, Christianity Today

Find Catherine at https://catherinesegars.com/