Reason #5 – They wrestle with the exclusive nature of Christianity.
“Younger Americans have been shaped by a culture that esteems open-mindedness, tolerance and acceptance. Today’s youth and young adults also are the most eclectic generation in American history in terms of race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, technological tools and sources of authority. Most young adults want to find areas of common ground with each other, sometimes even if that means glossing over real differences. Three out of ten young Christians (29%) said “churches are afraid of the beliefs of other faiths” and an identical proportion felt they are “forced to choose between my faith and my friends.” One-fifth of young adults with a Christian background said “church is like a country club, only for insiders” (22%).” Read more…
Reason #4 – Young Christians’ church experiences related to sexuality are often simplistic, judgmental.
“With unfettered access to digital pornography and immersed in a culture that values hyper-sexuality over wholeness, teen and twentysometing Christians are struggling with how to live meaningful lives in terms of sex and sexuality. One of the significant tensions for many young believers is how to live up to the church’s expectations of chastity and sexual purity in this culture, especially as the age of first marriage is now commonly delayed to the late twenties. Research indicates that most young Christians are as sexually active as their non-Christian peers, even though they are more conservative in their attitudes about sexuality. One-sixth of young Christians (17%) said they “have made mistakes and feel judged in church because of them.” The issue of sexuality is particularly salient among 18- to 29-year-old Catholics, among whom two out of five (40%) said the church’s “teachings on sexuality and birth control are out of date.”” Read more…
Reason #3 – Churches come across as antagonistic to science.
“One of the reasons young adults feel disconnected from church or from faith is the tension they feel between Christianity and science. The most common of the perceptions in this arena is “Christians are too confident they know all the answers” (35%). Three out of ten young adults with a Christian background feel that “churches are out of step with the scientific world we live in” (29%). Another one-quarter embrace the perception that “Christianity is anti-science” (25%). And nearly the same proportion (23%) said they have “been turned off by the creation-versus-evolution debate.” Furthermore, the research shows that many science-minded young Christians are struggling to find ways of staying faithful to their beliefs and to their professional calling in science-related industries.”
Really?? Or is the true reason isnt’ that we are antagonistic but that we as Church don’t explain things well or we avoid challenging topics all together? Read more…
Most youth and young adults head out on short term missions because they want to make a difference, they want to help, they want to battle injustice. It would most likely be devastating for them to know that their short term endeavors may actually make things worse for the people they are meant to serve! Read more…
Reason #1 – Churches seem overprotective.
“A few of the defining characteristics of today’s teens and young adults are their unprecedented access to ideas and worldviews as well as their prodigious consumption of popular culture. As Christians, they express the desire for their faith in Christ to connect to the world they live in. However, much of their experience of Christianity feels stifling, fear-based and risk-averse. Read more…
It is obvious that Christmas has gone from celebrating the birth of the prince of peace to a celebration of the victory of consumerism. But how do we talk about it with our teenagers? Here are a few resources that I have found helpful in starting up conversation around consumerism and Christmas:
What Would Jesus Buy?
A documentary following Rev. Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping as they travel across the U.S. toward the “shopocalypse”! It is at points hilarious, at times troubling at times incredibly touching. This film works equally well with adults or with youth, so try something crazy, get parents and youth to watch the film together!
Advent Conspiracy
A movement trying to get Christmas to be less about buying and more about worshiping fully, spending less, giving more, and loving all. A website full of resources, ideas and stories, this movement to go from buying stuff to solving water issues around the world is something your youth may get excited about. Check it out here.
Coyote Solstice Tale by Thomas King
One of my favorite children’s books of all time, this funny, touching and beautiful story can be a great way to ease youth into the conversation. And seriously, who doesn’t love a kid’s book.
Now I know, it is getting really close to Christmas, and though these may be great ideas, it is a bit to late. Well friends, it turns out that consumerism is not just an issue at Christmas time, but year round. Here are some non-Christmas related resources.
The Story of Stuff
Shorter then WWJB, this film looks at the impacts of our consumption on the environment and other people. Done in a very accessible way, this video is a great starting point for discussing the impact of our stuff on our world. Check it out here.
Last, music video’s can be a great way to start the conversation with your youth. Here are two that look at consumerism from very different angles.
Wings by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
One of my youth introduced this video to me. A song about how the artist was recruited into the movement of consumerism through his shoes. An amazing song and a powerful video.
I Own You by Wax Tailor ft. Charlie Winston
A really cool video, and an interesting song from the perspective of your stuff.
Consumerism is probably the biggest issue facing our youth and society today. If we want to help our youth explore the God of Abraham, Moses and Jesus, we are going to have to make them aware of the current God of stuff that demands their allegiance. If you have any resources, please let us know.
What does it mean to wear my faith on my sleeve? How is it that I live out my faith? (How) do I share my faith in Jesus with others? Sometimes we get uncomfortable when people talk about sharing their faith. Sometimes we fall back on that quote often attributed to Francis of Assisi:
Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words.
I think we can tend to fall back on this quotation as a justification for not saying much. Do we consider what our actions say about our faith, or do we use this as a defense mechanism to suggest that people not bug us with this question?
Dorothee Sölle, a German liberation theologian opens up this question in a real, and challenging way:
Tell me how you think and act politically and I will tell you in which God you believe Read more…
As I mused over what to write for this blog, I was surprised by the many Facebook notes about campaigns that have been highlighted over the last weeks amid all the Christmas media. There have been some pretty heavy days leading up to the festive Christmas season. November 19th was pink day to stop bullying in our schools, December 1st was World AIDS Day (Red Ribbon Day) bringing awareness to AIDS/HIV and November 25-Dec 6th is the White Ribbon campaign to end violence against women. There are so many good and worthwhile causes that are highlighted in our immediate world and many of these campaigns cast youth in the midst of them. We are blessed that we as a youth leaders and youth can teach, support and empower so many of these causes through our Christian faith.
We meet in our youth programs and find we have peers that are living with these issues throughout their lives both openly and in secret. There those who are bullied because of differences, those who have illnesses both seen and unseen, those girls and boys who are battered socially, emotionally and physically. Pretty serious stuff in what most people see as fun and busy season. If you are a youth leader you have the ability and gift to talk, coach, support and give comfort. If you are a youth member you can also support and care for those who struggle. Never underestimate the power of simply lending a caring ear or shoulder to those who are hurting especially in a time where we are inundated with happy Christmas themes. Sometimes we forget that this season is not special for everyone.
Youth programs are not here just to be Christian social groups or nights of hanging out. Don’t get me wrong, those are important too and a fun night of carolling is a great time out but we live in a world that is not perfect and we find many in our own communities who are hurt and are seeking safe havens. We are called as Christians to be aware and be active in supporting those struggling. Be a safe haven this Christmas season. Offer welcome, support, genuine care and in doing so show love to those youth(or your friends) for whom life is sometimes overwhelming.
“Lent 4.5,” is an idea from the Passionist Earth and Spirit Center in Kentucky.
It gets its name from the fact that if the world were divided equally among all its residents, each would receive 4.5 acres of land from which to derive all of his or her food, energy, clothing, housing, and “gadgets.” But it takes about 18 acres to maintain the average North American lifestyle.
For a Lenten discipline this year, why not explore a consciousness of living more lightly on the earth? Consider:
Where do you get your produce from? During Lent, choose products sourced on your own continent, rather than from South Africa, Chile, or South Asia.
How much carbon are you using/producing? Use one hour less of electronics or powered equipment each day, or get your bike out early, dress warmly and opt not to take the car for short excursions.
What is your water consumption? Drink only safe tap water, rather than any bottled water products during Lent. Set a timer for your shower, and try to cut your shower time by 10-20% each week. By the end of Lent, your 20 minute shower time is down to 9 minutes, and uses much less energy and water while having plenty of time to get you clean!
How are you sharing food and resources? Once a week during Lent, plan to get together with friends to cook a simple meal together. Take turns hosting. save energy and create community. One way we live lighter on the earth is to not assume we all have to own everything privately – what do we ‘own’ (or have access to) that we could share with others around us?
Lent 4.5 explores a different theme each week. This first theme (Ash Wednesday week) is Christian Simplicity. You can visit:
Week by week, this website will focus on a particular aspect of consumption as it relates to Christian simplicity, fasting and almsgiving. A new focus issue will be available each Sunday of Lent.
Ash Wednesday Week – Christian Simplicity: Compassionate Living
1st Week of Lent – Food: Buying and Eating are Moral Acts
2nd Week of Lent – Consumption: Buying Less, Wasting Less
3rd Week of Lent – Water: Conserving and Protecting
4th Week of Lent – Energy: Choosing Efficient and Clean
“There is a new way of observing Lent that helps us care for God’s creation by taking steps toward using only our fair share of its resources. Moving in the direction of 4.5 is essential for anyone walking in the footsteps of Jesus today”
http://www.barna.org/teens-next-gen-articles/528-six-reasons-young-christians-leave-church
Reason #3 that young Christians leave the church. 
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