There are a lot of reasons why people drop out of church. There are a lot of reasons people drop out of Jesus. We all know people who used to go to church faithfully. Maybe they were involved in the youth program. Maybe they grew up in a pastor’s home. Maybe they were a pastor or youth pastor at one time. Maybe they were on a worship band and traveled leading in worship. The scenarios are countless.
But somewhere along the way they “dropped out.” Just kaput. Or maybe more gradual. If you are like me it confounds you. It baffles you. It certainly has me asking, “What happened? Why?” I should know. I have someone (who used to be) close to me who is one of them.
I read an excerpt from this book in a magazine thanks to Ryan, the youth pastor, and decided I wanted to get the book. I needed answers. I’m getting them. The author divides them into 6 groups:
The Postmodernist
The Recoiler
The Modernist
The Neo-Pagan
The Rebel
The Drifter
I’m not going to attempt to describe each one. I suggest you do that research on your own. (Buy the book). This book is subtitled “Why Young People are leaving the Faith…and how to bring them back.” He does a good job of showing both. Like all books which “suggest” something, you have to apply it to your own situation. How good is it? I am only on the Neo-Pagans and I am already recommending it. That’s how good it is!
Want to see more you can check it out here. I believe every pastor, youth pastor, church leader, and anyone interested in saying something worth listening to ought to read it.
What else are you reading that you might recommend?
I haven’t read the book but I have watched the Exodus of people from organized religion. Particularly and exponentially among the younger ( under 35 )group. I think the key word to explain it is irrelevance. Church no longer is a binding force but a dividing force. Too much attitude with too few positives.
Sadly, in many cases you are right Jeff. We are often known more for what we are against than what we are for. And in many cases the church is irrelevant. Thanks for the input.
I’m reading All In by Mark Batterson
Your thoughts? I believe Daniel reviewed that awhile back.
I will check it out based on your strong recommendation.
I would like to get your “take” on it Daniel. I value your opinion on books.
Will recommend this book to our youth pastor based on your recommendation. In answer to your question, I am reading “The Wonderful Spirit-Filled Life” by Charles Stanley. His transparency and honest make this a very practical book for anyone looking to live and walk their lives with the Holy Spirit.
I think it will be a good one for him Kari. I have and read that book years ago. It was a good one.
I know a lot of people that have walked away as well. Preachers that spent their lives doing “the work” then walking away from it all. I have first hand knowledge as to why some of it happens, and in a nutshell, I can say the number one reason is legalism.
I haven’t read much lately, I’m working on a manuscript that is draining me… in a good way, I think. I’ll keep this one in mind. Thanks, Bill.
Breaks the heart when people walk away doesn’t it? Drain away my friend. Can’t wait to see it.
We certainly need to understand the culture in which we live if we are going to be effective in revealing God’s culture into it. I’ve read different books that look at parts of this, but I would be interested to see all these categories talked about in one place. Thanks for the recommendation, Bill!
You are right jason. Understanding and being able to relate is so important, esp without compromising. I think you might find it a good read.
Sounds like a great book- much needed. I’ve read numerous stats on youth leaving the church or not ever going to begin with. There’s much involved here.
On a similar topic a very in-depth book I read last year is “ye shall be as gods” by Larry Johnson. It takes a deep look at Humanism verses Christianity. There is a war going on. Larry takes the reader through the educational system, entertainment, family structure and so on back many generations to help explain what is going on today inside the church. We are loosing at the moment. Souls are being lost and it’s time Christians start acknowledging how they have allowed certain things to happen. Many have grown complacent and luke warm, if we want to bring kids in we must return to our first love and our foundation.
There’s so much that goes into this. I’ll check this book out. Thanks!
I remember reading about that book TC. It might have even been on your blog. 🙂 Tragically, you are right about us losing. Let’s pray it can be turned around before it is too late.
Reading “Jesus Now: Unveiling the Present-Day Ministry of Christ” by Frank Viola…so far an interesting read.
let me know what you think about that book Jay. I heard about it.
I like it when you give us book reviews, Pastor Bill! Thank you and I’ll write this down! I just finished reading Rees Howells Intercessor.
Glad I could recommend this to you Deb. Always good to hear from you.
Sounds like one worth a look. I’m not sure if you saw my comments on the most recent book I’ve read but I would certainly recommend The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good. http://rodneyolsen.net/2014/04/the-dark-side-of-doing-good.html