Youth are attracted to something new by other youth. When young people see other young people actively involved in something and enjoying what they are doing, this can be a powerful attraction. Seventh-day Adventist youth are often leaders in creative evangelism, connecting with young people in all walks of life and inviting them to get involved as well.
In some parts of the world the church is trying innovative approaches such as café churches, where young people can easily invite their friends to come for a hot drink, music and fellowship. The church’s youth department has also developed many different resources and programs for youth evangelism and outreach, and you can access some of these through your local conference office. Even this “Let’s Talk” website is a way young people can express their ideas and get more involved in the life of their church.
But the bottom line is that the best ideas always emerge when creative and enthusiastic young people come together to find new ways to bring other youth to Jesus. So talk to your friends and to your pastor or youth leader, and think about starting your own outreach project: it’s the most effective way to share Jesus with this age group.
Why are so many young people leaving the church?
Perhaps it would be good to define “many.” It’s important to remember that in some parts of the world, it is young people who make up the largest numbers of those joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church!
But yes, some young people--too many young people--do leave the church. Some leave for good, and others only for a time as they sort out their relationship with God. They leave, and then seem to wake up, and soon find themselves not only back, but leading others to Christ.
There are many studies that focus on different reasons for youth, or anyone for that matter, leaving the church. Reasons may include disillusionment with someone in the church, a feeling of not being accepted, questions over beliefs, or simply drifting away over time because of a series of bad choices.
Ultimately we are all responsible for our own decisions. But even so, as a church we need to do a better job at making sure we provide an environment where young people can grow strong in their faith. We need to give young people responsibilities within the church; we need to give them room to ask questions and express opinions; we need to give them acceptance.
That’s a difficult question. There is no doubt that there needs to be better communication with young people--at every level of church administration, from the local church to the General Conference. We have often been too intent on telling young people what they should or should not do, and haven’t stayed around to hear what they have to say in return. There must be a more intentional dialogue with young people, and a greater recognition of the contribution that they can and do make within the church. I look forward to hearing more from young people--ideas, opinions, questions--through this website.
But I also want to challenge you. You are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but being a member means more than just holding membership status and sitting in the pew each Sabbath. Being a part of the body of Christ means that you also have an active role to play. It is only through getting involved within the life of your local church that you develop a sense of ownership.
And it is not a matter of waiting for permission to become involved in your church. The church belongs to you as much as anyone else. So take that first step toward active membership: attend a business meeting; offer your services in one of the Sabbath Schools; or get together with your friends to plan an outreach or service project in your community. I guarantee that by becoming actively involved you’ll experience a new level of satisfaction and belonging.