There have been many surveys taken to determine the statistics
of how many young people remain in church by choice once they
are free to make their own decisions. One statistic records that
88% or more of the young people in church (who are regular
attendees) leave and never return once they are out of high
school. What could be the reason for this? And is there any way
to prevent it from happening?
I think there are many reasons why young people choose to leave
the church, and one reason is especially notable: Most of these
young people haven't, for the most part, been engaged in any
Bible study, but have simply been going to church to sit through
services (and see friends). Because of this, they don't have a
firm grasp of God and His Word, and don't see Him as being
personal with them. Many may have even said a prayer of
confession and repentance of sin, but the motion seemed to be
simply so they wouldn't have to fear hell, and they missed the
importance of having a relationship with their Heavenly Father.
But if they are saved, why is it they don't do Bible studies?
• If you were to ask them, there's a good possibility they'll
tell you it's mostly because they just don't have enough time.
• The time they do have is given to all sorts of recreation,
from time with friends, time with electronics, to whatever else
they can think of to fill their time.
• The effort it takes to think things through for the purpose
of achieving insight is often of little interest. If they can do
it quickly and without too much extra effort, they might accept
it.
• Many teens today believe that the teen years are when it's
time to kick back and do what one wants. In their
near-sightedness, they believe that they'll have time to get
serious later in life.
• Listed last, but having a huge impact is this: Parents hold
incredible sway over the influence and habits of young people by
their personal examples and assistance.
So, if one were to help a teen eliminate the faulty thinking,
and get him or her into a Bible study, does the style of Bible
study make a difference in their growth? Well, look at the
following types of studies:
• Basic/Light studies:
When you observe the devotional sections in bookstores today,
you'll find an overwhelming supply of quick devotionals for
people (young and old) on the go with busy lifestyles. These
short, simple studies are to encourage people to take at least
five minutes of their day to spend reading and meditating on the
Bible. The topics in these books are intended to help meet
people's spiritual needs. Although these studies are better than
nothing, if anyone were to spend years only taking in short,
basic truths, there would be no depth of relationship with God.
Many teens who have been challenged to maintain a daily Bible
study time choose these kinds of studies because they are quick
and easy reading, and the application is very minimal ("think
about this as you go about your day").
• In depth/Challenging studies:
Solid, life-confronting Bible studies are out there for teens,
and are intended to be life-changing. They are the least
favorite type of study due to intensity, mostly in the area of
application. The questions demand answers that are from the
Bible, and candidly point out the distorted thinking of the
sinful mind. Combining text study and application means that
there must be more time involved, and it would be very difficult
to brush aside or forget these potent studies.
So many young people today know little or nothing about
Scripture, even those who are frequently in the church setting.
An excellent study to lay the foundation of the Bible for them
would be one that explains the Bible as a whole. From beginning
to end, what is the overall story of the Bible, and does it
affect lives today? This study has had an outstanding effect
with teens, adults, and children. There is an overwhelming
understanding of a holy God, the helplessness of people, and the
astounding Sacrifice that was paid for all people in order to
restore relationships with God. After this there is sincere
commitment to have and maintain that relationship.
Please be part of challenging teens toward living God-centered
lives by showing them that they can, and must, "mix" with Bible
studies.
About the Author: Aleena Denison has a heart for seeing the
message of the Bible presented in a clear way,and is dedicated
to sharing Jesus with the lost and helping believers see their
responsibilities in evangelism,discipleship,and Bible study. For
more information and free downloads, see http://www.goodseed.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
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