Archive for February 24th, 2012

You Lost Me. Why young Christians are leaving Church …and rethinking faith. David Kinnaman.

Appreciation to the Youth Delegation

Appreciation to the Youth Delegation (Photo credit: Transguyjay)

You Lost Me. Why young Christians are leaving Church …and rethinking faith. David Kinnaman. 2011. ISBN 9781441213082.   To those of us who subscribe to any kind of a faith journey, we may have had doubts about it through our life. I know my science background really threw me for a long journey “away”.

Evidently in the US the abandonment of the Church by youth is at an all time high.   This author asked the question why and carried out extensive surveys/interviews with “youth’ from 16 through to 30. This is a very thorough study that is very well written and teases out some universal truths..  He identified stages and groups that disenchanted Christian youth move in and out of,  using labels of nomads, prodigals and exiles.  He has some useful thoughts and suggestions for leaders to help them better understand what drives youth away from faith (often it is the institution of the Church vs a loss of faith).  The insights and questions that are brought up are interesting and provocative.  I really liked the “50 suggestions” section at the end from participants and forward thinking (but very reflective) Christian writers.  My take away is that “because we have always done it this way” will no longer cut it.

Category: Leadership, Lifeskills

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