Something is not right in the American church. According to research conducted by Lifeway 66% of youth raised in American protestant churches will stop attending by the time they’re 23. If you have 3 children- 2 of them will no longer be attending church as adults.

It has not always been like this. Historically (and Biblically) it was normal for children raised in Christian households to become Christian adults- this is by design. That is no longer the case in today’s Christian culture. What happened?

According to Lifeway, here are the top 5 reasons young adults stop attending (responders could pick more than one):

1. Went to College (34%)

2. Church’s members seemed judgemental (32%)

3. Didn’t feel connected to others in church (29%)

4. Didn’t agree with church’s stance on political/ social issues (25%)

5. My work prevented me from going (24%)

In short, churches are not providing enough of the right value to keep young adults. All the modern church techniques and amenities designed to keep people coming back are not working: coffee bars, contemporary worship, fog machines, light shows, VBS productions, kids ministry, youth group, and endless programs. 

Are the modern techniques and amenities of recent years inherently sinful by themselves? No- in fact I like getting a cup of coffee on my way into service. But when you put them into a list, it is easier to see why we’re losing our youth: The modern American church is winning children and families to a culture of consumerism and entertainment. When it’s about consuming, the result is young adults with shallow faiths, superficial relationships, and no anchor against the waves of the culture. (Ephesians 4:11-14)

For thousands of years church was simple. We can get a taste of it in Acts 2:42:  “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer”.

Even if our young adults can’t articulate it, do they sense a gap between how church is described in the Bible and what they experience on Sunday? 

I believe many churches use modern methods sincerely, hoping to attract unbelievers`to hear the gospel. However, in the course of trying to make church more attractive we have made it less valuable. We have won families over to the comfort, convenience, and sensory stimulation instead of the core practices of teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. 

Solution:

So, should we keep on with the same modern techniques? Certainly not. We should try something different. Perhaps we try the same methods, practices, and theologies that have worked for generations upon generations. For thousands of years there was a basic system that worked. This project, Front Porch theology, seeks to understand and reclaim historic Christian normalcy. We do this for the benefit of our families, churches, neighborhoods, and ultimately for the Glory of God.

This effort of reclaiming Christian normalcy- What fruit might we expect? 

• Men and women who are JOYFUL in the roles for which God designed them.

• Children who want to grow in faith and obedience.

• Young adults who seek to contribute to their church.

• Adults who build jobs, housing, and marriage prospects for their children.

• Local, state, and federal governments who want to honor Christ in the way they govern and legislate.

• Entire towns of men, women, and children experiencing revival and turning to Jesus for their salvation. (the only way to salvation! John 14:6)

This is a project for our country, but especially for our county. If you’re in central Iowa we’d love to hear from you. Drop your email below- we’ll reach out and keep you updated on future articles, events and ways to get involved.

For Christ’s glory in Iowa, the United States of America, and the ends of the world,

-Tyler Perry