Why Young People Are Leaving the Church?

This past Saturday, the Minnesota Star-Tribune published an article written by Jean Hopfensperger.  The article was titled, "A Look At Why Young Catholics Leave."  I found the statistics offered in this article very interesting.  They follow a trend that has been observed within all churches the past ten years or so.  The basic theme from several surveys, including this one, is that young people are leaving the Church today in droves.  Few have any intent of returning.  George Barna observed this several years ago.  Others have done similar studies.  And, it is found that young people are "checking out of" the church at an earlier age.


"They stopped believing in God.  They saw a disconnect  between what Catholics say and what they do.  They disagreed with the church's stance on social issues such as homosexuality and birth control."  With these words, the author begins her piece.  "They are the growing numbers of young Catholics living the church - the focus of a new national study to examine why they're departing and where they're landing.  It's an issue that worries church leaders across the country."  To be honest, it should worry not just Catholics, but all of us.  Why are young people leaving the church?  And why are they leaving at such an early age?


The article continues: "'Leaving the [Catholic] church crosses all age groups, but the fastest-growing demographic is age 18 to 29,' said John Vitek, president of Saint Mary's Press in Winona, which commissioned the study.  'Our data shows the median age for leaving the church was 13 years old,' he said.  'That was a surprise to everyone...and something we really have to take note of.'" 


"The survey found that the biggest reason young Catholics bailed was that they no longer believed in God.  One in five cited that lack of faith."  The author quotes from a young woman who said, "'I would like to believe that something happens when you die, that you don't just rot in the ground, but I don't know.'"


"Another 16 percent said family experiences shaped their misgivings.  Divorce, death, illnesses and perceived 'hypocrisy' were cited.  'Although my grandparents took me to church every weekend...we found out that my grandfather was having an affair,' said another respondent.  'I don't think that's part of the Catholic faith.'"


"Among other findings: Three in four said they stopped viewing themselves as Catholics between age 10 and 20; Nearly half said they were searching for spiritual practice in tune with their beliefs; About a third said they are 'done' joining churches."


Friends, the results of this Catholic survey should give us a "wake-up" call.  The church continues to fail the next generation.  According to another report I read last fall, although still being brought to church every week, a number of young people in the 6th grade had already decided that, when they left home, they would leave the church.  One has to ask the question of "why?"


First, I believe that hypocrisy with the home is a leading reason why young people are leaving the church.  They have watched mom and dad go to church every week, but when they are at home all they do is argue with one another by yelling and screaming.  Forget about "loving your neighbor as yourself" when love is absent at home.  What is said and done at home is completely different from what is said and done while at church. 


To counter this reason, many churches have become very active in a reformation-type movement to minister to parents so that they can disciple their own children.  It is known as Faith@Home or D6.  But the focus is to help parents model 24/7 their faith before their children and grandchildren.  We have been modeling this for the past six years and have seen some incredible turn-arounds within families attending our church.  It does work! 


Second, I believe that the lack of relevancy between the Gospel and contemporary culture contributes to young people leaving the church.  They have witnessed a disconnect between the Scriptures and culture.  I believe today's young people are looking for some anchor for their lives.  They want to know that the Bible has the answers.  A watered-down Gospel does not satisfy those needs.  It is time to rediscover the power of the unadulterated, passionate, authoritative teaching of God's Word. 


The focus in the past within youth ministries was to "have fun."  There is still a need for that today, but there is a greater need to teach truth.  The very future of the church depends upon it.