Did you know that most studies indicate nearly half of all Christian young people will fall away from the faith after their freshman year of college… and they will never return? 

That statistic is VERY sobering if you are a parent.

If you aren’t concerned about the massive youth exodus from the faith, you should be. Kids are leaving the church in droves, and we need to know why. I covered this topic 3 ½ years ago in my very first episode on CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD. This week, I am re-airing that episode with a very encouraging personal update about my own journey with a child who has struggled in the faith.(See more below)

In this “Best Of” episode of CP/CW, I cover two what’s and a why when it comes to the youth exodus:
 

• WHAT do the statistics say about children leaving the faith?
• WHY are Christian kids leaving the faith?
• And WHAT do (formerly) Christian kids believe that makes it so easy for them to leave Christianity?

 
We’ve got to face reality, moms and dads, so we must answer these questions. We need to know what is happening and why it is happening if we want to counteract this trend. Consider this:
 

• 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)
   

This world is bombarding our kids with secular ideas and norms, and many of our kids are falling for it. Why exactly are they leaving the faith? Consider these reasons listed in a recent Christianity Today article:

 
The stats are NOT encouraging.
 

BUT… and this is a big BUT… prayer is POWERFUL! In this episode, I am grateful beyond words to give you an inspiring update on our own journey with a child who has struggled in the faith. This update is so fresh that many of my family members don’t even know yet, but I can’t wait to share this encouraging word with you. Children can come back home, and prayer will pave the way.
 
To hear this vitally important message on Life Audio, by click on the image below:

Or you can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And please consider giving CP/CW a 5-star rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify. That would make my day!

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