The increasing number of the younger generation leaving church is an alarming trend that requires our urgent attention. These young people face complex questions and deep-seated doubts that deserve careful listening rather than dismissive, quick answers. In my roles as both a pastor and a professor, I have walked alongside many individuals raised in seemingly strong Christian homes who have ultimately turned away from their upbringing. I am profoundly grateful that many still trust me enough to share their stories, providing vital insight into why they have chosen a different path.
1. Their faith was never really theirs in the first place.
For many, their religious involvement was performative; they did what they believed others expected of them, dutifully following in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents. However, they never reached the point of personal conviction. What they lacked was a foundational experience to make that faith truly their own.
2. They’ve seen too much hypocrisy among believers.
Honesty compels us to acknowledge that some have been pushed away by the hypocrisy they witnessed within their own walls, where their parents’ private lives did not align with their public church personas. Furthermore, the disillusionment is often compounded when these young people witness the moral failures of far too many church leaders, breaking the trust necessary for spiritual growth.
3. They have never really been discipled themselves.
Even though they grew up in a Christian home, no one walked arm-in-arm with these believers to help them get grounded in their faith, to stand against the devil, and to walk in victory. They’ve had to “figure it all out” largely on their own—and that’s made them vulnerable.
4. They live in an ever-changing culture that gives them permission to live differently than their Christian upbringing demands.
When I was younger, you may have wrestled with lifestyle issues, but you did it quietly and alone. That’s not the case anymore. Culture now invites and welcomes the deconstruction of faith.
5. They have never had anyone legitimately hear their questions, much less try to answer them.
Too many older believers have simply criticized their doubt and called them to “just believe.” It’s accurate that we must believe, but belief that cannot answer opposing questions is surely lacking.
6. They have had no real grounding in the Word.
This issue, of course, is connected to No. 3 above. Others have told them, “This is the Word of God,” but no one’s helped them know why we believe that about the Word. These young people now approach the Bible with skepticism—if they approach it at all.
7. They’re dealing with sin in their lives.
I don’t remember who made this statement, but I’ve never forgotten the statement about believers who turn from their faith: “Immorality often precedes unbelief.” Sometimes, young people walk in another direction in their beliefs because they’ve already walked that way in their actions.
8. They’ve found a stronger community outside the church than within.
They’ve found friends, fun and fellowship with others—things they for some reason did not get in the church. We know their community with others might be fleeting, but their eyes are on the immediate rather than the long-term. They like what they’re getting now.
What reasons would you add to this list? What’s been your experience?
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This article originally appeared on ChurchAnswers.com and is reposted here by permission.