"Why Our Teenagers Leave the Church" Personal Stories from a 10 year study
By Roger L. Dudley
I bought this book some time ago (I have not finished it yet) as this has been a question that I have been asked and have been pondering for years. Why do teenagers leave the church?
This book was written after the culmination of a study that began in 1987. The study traced the lives of some 1,500 teenagers as they grew up, and often, grew disillusioned. Each year they were sent a questionnaire by the 10th year only 783 persons responded.
This book has shown me that the more things change the more they remain the same. Some of the same reasons youths are leaving today is why they left then.
The study found that between 40 - 50% of Adventist youths leave the church in their 20's. Here are some of the reasons for youths leaving the church as reported by the study:
Alienation- they described the Adventist church as being "cold", "aloof" and "unfriendly".
Irrelevance - didn't think the church made a difference in their lives and social needs. they felt "cut off", "lonely" and "estranged".
Intolerance - feel the church is intolerant. They are uncomfortable with the image the church projects as being the only true church that is "holier than thou". They are also cynical about the lack of demonstration by the church of the Adventist truth. "There was no love it was all talk".
Convenience - find church draining rather than refreshing and invigorating. Use Sabbath mornings to sleep.
Minor Themes
rejection - asked to leave due to premarital pregnancy
specific inter personal conflicts
rebellious phase
confused about Adventism
Their reasons for staying (for those who remained)
Belief in Adventist truth
Adventist Upbringing
Relationship with God
Fellowship/Friendship/Relationships (Thats why AdFell is so important!!!)
What are your views? Why do you think teenagers leave the church? Why have you remained?
Personal Stories from a 10 year study
By Roger L. Dudley
I bought this book some time ago (I have not finished it yet) as this has been a question that I have been asked and have been pondering for years. Why do teenagers leave the church?
This book was written after the culmination of a study that began in 1987. The study traced the lives of some 1,500 teenagers as they grew up, and often, grew disillusioned. Each year they were sent a questionnaire by the 10th year only 783 persons responded.
This book has shown me that the more things change the more they remain the same. Some of the same reasons youths are leaving today is why they left then.
The study found that between 40 - 50% of Adventist youths leave the church in their 20's. Here are some of the reasons for youths leaving the church as reported by the study:
Their reasons for staying (for those who remained)
- Belief in Adventist truth
- Adventist Upbringing
- Relationship with God
- Fellowship/Friendship/Relationships (Thats why AdFell is so important!!!)
4.25 Average: 4.3 (4 votes)
What are your views?
Why do you think teenagers leave the church?
Why have you remained?
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