Are you a church dropout?

So today after getting some work done I decide to go to Lifeway Christian Bookstore and there was a book on sale that was dealing with the church. I am very interested in reading material related to the church. So many people close to me know that I am a book addict. Therefore I wanted to read this book and just in the first part I am captured and convicted to share with you this.

The book I am reading is "Essential Church? Reclaiming a generation of dropouts." The book basically makes the argument that we are losing a generation of people within the church (mainly losing those between the ages of 18 and 22) because it is not essential to them anyone. The book (with the research) listed ten reasons cited for many dropping out which includes:

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 too far away 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 the church.
10. Was only going to church to please others.

What I find mind-boggling about all of this the finding in this study that more than 2/3 of churchgoing young adults drop out between the ages of 18 and 22. This is crazy to me! Why are we losing so many people at this age?

I would encourage you all to read this book and to offer solutions within your own churches of how we can reach out to our young adult population (18-30).

I will say that I think it has to start with assessing the spiritual needs of our young adult population. To me, it is from there that we can begin to evaluate our churches to see if we have something to minister to the needs of our young adults. I believe we are in a spiritual crisis within our churches and the banner has to be raised and TRUE REVIVAL must begin!!!

I plan to share more as I read further but I believe God is raising up people who will take a stand and advocate change within our churches! We do not need more churches, we need revitalized churches!!!