Students and the Church

Why is it that we are more and more aware of kids and students being less enamored with the church so when they leave high school a large majority of them don't return back into church. Why is this... why are so many people talking about it now.... why hasn't this been addressed in the past?? I have been thinking about these questions the last number of days, putting a personal twist on things with the students that are a part of the student ministry that God has given me to oversee. I think about all the amazing students that are @ SGC and thinking that maybe some of them wont be involved in church in a few years is disheartening... Its at this point that I feel small and insignificant like it will take this huge movement nationwide to get this problem fixed.

Its apparent that there is a disconnect somewhere along the lines... maybe its a selfish thing on their part, maybe they are to consumed with what they want to do, the guilt they feel, the judgement they "perceive" everyone is throwing upon them, the things in their lives they know they shouldn't be involved in but give take part time and time again...

maybe its the people at church who have put a bad taste in their mouths, maybe its the hypocrites that fill the pews every week... aren't we all?? Maybe these young impressionable students cant get over that fact that humans will fail you...

Maybe its the fact that Youth Groups across the country and trying to make "Church" for students this experience that is unlike church on Sunday mornings... maybe fun, games, hangout times, parties, trips and loud music are not good training grounds for real life when that stuff isn't always around. Are we getting students plugged into youth group and not the church...

Such huge questions to not be taken lightly... Hopefully with all the attention given to these statistics we will take better care of the young people who are the next generations of leaders in the church. I think that the church and youth groups need to look at what is going on and take action...

We obviously have not done a good job at pointing people to Jesus... its all about Jesus... it always has been about Jesus and it always will be about Jesus... as Mark Driscoll often says... Shouldn't that be our goal for the kids who grow up in our churches across the country... to point them to Christ... Church leaders (including myself) need to be doing that on a more consistent basis to change some alarming trends in today's society that is all about what pleases "YOU"

Raise up kids/students/people who love God first and foremost... then love people and reach out!

Summer is Here

The Summer schedule is here and is out for everyone to check out... we have tons of stuff going on!! Hello Summer is in less than 2 weeks, Hillsong United in Concert on June 10, Camp is the first week of July... Cedar point at the end of July... Paintball and pool parties in August!!! The Summer will be done before we know it! Hit me with questions....


pastorkent@sugargrovechurch.com