Recap: Young Adults and "Evangelicalism" in the American Church

This past Saturday I had the privilege of hosting a young adults panel with some of today’s emerging leaders from within the media, cultural, and religious sectors. Each one of them has a long history in addressing faith within their specific areas of influence.

Andre Mullen

Part of this panel was focused on addressing the issue regarding the mass exodus currently happening by young adults in the American church. Statistically, close to 70% of Christian young adults are fleeing from our churches because they feel the American church is a place which is causing them to grow closer to God. As a result, many are experimenting with other religions, are outright walking away from faith, and many are simply trying to build a relationship with God a part from the local church.

During our discussion, our panelist shared some profound insights as to why this exodus may be going on. Here are some of the top findings from the discussion:

Elizabeth Fernandez

• The American Church is failing to build a culture that provokes the interest of faith and religion within the life of young adults.

• Young adults are experiencing a strong marketing plan from secular organizations, yet the Church doesn’t see the need to be as aggressive as the world does with their message of God

• The divide among Churches adds to the friction young adults feel today.

• Social Justice seems to be a vital issues young adults view strongly as part of the Gospel Message, yet many young adults feel the American church view social justice and the Gospel as two separate items.

Pastor Louis Straker

• Churches have bought into the idea that media, lights, and large crowds are the things that young adults are looking for in Church; yet many young adults are desiring a smaller more intimate expression of church community as appose to the mega-church culture.

• Young adults are more concerned with sound doctrine being preached from church pulpits then the worship experience as many portray.

• True Biblical teachings, or lack of it, have become a focal point in why young adults stay or leave the church.

• Discipleship is becoming the cry of this generation. They do not desire to simply be members of our churches; they want men and women to teach, train, and equip them to become the men and women they have been created for.

• Ministry is no longer viewed as what goes on in Church; it is viewed as what happens on the day-to-day basis of one life.

Final Thoughts:

I believe those who are in their 20/30's are beginning to understand that they have a place within the body of Christ. Despite what the statistics may say, through prayer and action this generation can become all that God has designed for them to be. We are at the brink of seeing an exodus become a prodigal movement, one which brings back the lost sons and daughters for the work of the kingdom. My prayer is that you would join me, and the many who give their lives to reaching this generation. Lets pray and act on what we know is just, and what is honoring to God for this generation.