Why Do Students Walk Away from their Faith?

This is a guest post from Gina McClain. I am honored to have Gina willing to post her thoughts from the D6 conference. She hits on the high points from Vicki Courtney's keynote. 

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Why Do Students Walk Away from their Faith? 

As it relates to teens, we’re in a culture where we need to be honest with parents.  Parents are scared. They don’t know what to do.  We can be there as a church to let parents know , “We want to come alongside you to help."

This statement caught my attention quickly.  Vicki Courtney, author of books like 5 Conversations You Must Have with your Daughter, launched into a great conversation about the underlying causes that encourage our kids to turn their backs on their faith. 

Vicki believes the primary root cause of youth leaving their faith behind is simple. 

They don’t know Christ to begin with.

Because we call them ‘churched’ youth does not mean they are Christians.  We do so much harm (eternally speaking) when we make assumptions that ‘walking the aisle’ at a young age = life changed if their life does not reflect change.

A bold theory.  And I think Vicki makes a great point.  We make many assumptions about a student’s/child’s spiritual decision simply because they followed a prescribed pattern.  (I.e. they recited a prayer, walked the aisle, responded to an alter call, etc, etc)

I’m one of those odd people that is really okay with the messiness of ministry.  In my opinion growth in Christ is rarely formulaic.  There are certainly disciplines/habits that lend to increased intimacy with Jesus.  However, we all know that when they become ritualistic it’s no longer about Him and more about me.  The depth of my relationship with Christ is reflected in the extent of my life-change.  The transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit through the renewing of my mind. 

And the proof is in the pudding… or (more scripturally speaking) in the fruit. 

As ministry leaders we will always exist in that tension where we encourage parents, kids and students.  But ‘encourage’ doesn’t mean we don’t ever level with them.  The challenge is figuring out how to lovingly communicate to mom or dad that if their student’s behavior/actions don’t align with that of one who knows Christ then they have to ask the question… do they truly know Christ? 

The truth is too irresistible to not be transformed by it. 

Gina McClain is the Children’s Ministry Director of Faith Promise Church.  She’s addicted to coffee, stumbles over her words and often leaves people with lots of material for a comedic routine.  She also blogs at ginamcclain.com