Why They Left? Why to Stay! Keller Church of Christ August 30, 2015

“They Grow Up So Fast”

Survey Results Doctrinal Differences and Misunderstandings Lost By Neglect Divorce and Remarriage Issues Leadership Issues Evangelism Issues Instrumental Music The Role of Women

“A majority of twenty-something— 61% of today’s young adults—had been churched at one point during their teen years but they are now spiritually disengaged (i.e., not actively attending church, reading the Bible, or praying).” - George Barna (2006)

“Among 4,993 young people in the 100 congregations of the cluster sample used in this study – those who graduated from high school between 1997 and 2006: 58.2 percent are still members of some local congregation; 21.1 percent have joined some other religious group; 20.7 percent have no present religious affiliation.” - Flavil Yeakley

- Ken Hamm in Already Gone 12% Boring service 12% Legalism 11% Hypocrisy of leaders 10% Too political 9% Self-righteous people 7% Distance from home 6% Not relevant to personal growth 6% God would not condemn to hell 5% Bible not relevant/not practical 5% Couldn’t find my preferred denomination - Ken Hamm in Already Gone

How Effective Is L2L? Churches everywhere are closing their doors. Large congregations of 20 years ago are just keeping he doors open today. Why?? Birth Rate---who has 12 children anymore? Two is the norm. Birth rates range from 1.7 to 2.2, many times not even replacing ourselves. Add to that, most churches are keeping just a fraction of their youth. So, you do the math. Smaller birth rates and low retention of our youth equals smaller congregations. Many churches have turned to drama shows on Sunday morning, and send their youth to activities featuring “spirit filled Devo’s”, accompanied by instruments. They proudly say they are “non Judgmental and non gender specific” You have another option. L2L is a Proven Tool to help build you church.

- Faithit.com “#1 Reason Why Students Leave the Church” “Of all the youth group participation variables we’ve seen, being involved in intergenerational worship and relationship was one of the variables most highly correlated to young people’s faith. So in other words, while it’s great that there are better trained, more called, more specialized paid and volunteer youth leaders—the downside is that the gap between the overall congregation and the youth ministry is growing, which ends up being toxic to young people’s faith.” - Faithit.com “#1 Reason Why Students Leave the Church”

WHY TO STAY! – The church of Christ Matthew 16:18 Ephesians 1:22,23; 4:4; 5:23 Acts 20:28 Acts 2 Daniel 2:44; Hebrews 12:28-29

WHY TO STAY! – Redemption Romans 3:23; 6:23 John 3:16 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 2 Peter 2:22 Hebrews 6:1-6

WHY TO STAY! – Eternity Ecclesiastes 3:11 Matthew 25:46 James 4:14 Philippians 2:9-11 2 Peter 3:9

Bonus Point: HOW TO STAY! Just Stay Apologetics Studies Attendance Scripture Reading and Prayer Connected to Members Family Leaders Love the Church

Why They Left? Why to Stay! Keller Church of Christ August 30, 2015