I’m currently reading a new book entitled, Already Gone, by Ken Ham and Britt Beemer. The premise of the book is “why your kids will quit church and what you can do to stop it.” From the book’s website:
Nationwide polls and denominational reports are showing that the next generation is calling it quits on the traditional church. And it’s not just happening on the nominal fringe; it’s happening at the core of the Faith.
What are the factors that could cause the next generation to be lost from the local church? Ken Ham from Answers in Genesis commissioned Britt Beemer from America’s Research Group to find out. In the first scientific study of its kind, Beemer surveyed a thousand 20-30 year olds who used to go to Evangelical churches on a regular basis but have since left it behind. The results are not just surprising; they are shocking:
Those who faithfully attended Sunday school are more likely to leave the church than those who do not.
Those who regularly attended Sunday school are more likely to believe that the Bible is less true.
Over half of those who faithfully attended church feel that church is not relevant to real life today.Statistics reveal a huge disconnect taking place between our children and their church experience. The trends are frightening, but Already Gone shows how to fight back for our families, our churches and our world. We can make a difference today that will affect the statistics of tomorrow!
We’re starting this book for a summer Bible study next Wednesday. Look for a review of the book later this summer.