The document summarizes findings from several studies on declining religious affiliation and faith among youth and young adults in the United States. Key findings include: intellectual skepticism and doubt are primary reasons youth leave faith; over half of evangelical Christian youth will abandon their faith by college age; and negative perceptions of hypocrisy in the church and tensions between faith and science contribute to declining religious affiliation among Generation Z youth.
The document summarizes findings from several studies on declining religious affiliation and faith among youth and young adults in the United States. Key findings include: intellectual skepticism and doubt are primary reasons youth leave faith; over half of evangelical Christian youth will abandon their faith by college age; and negative perceptions of hypocrisy in the church and tensions between faith and science contribute to declining religious affiliation among Generation Z youth.
The document summarizes findings from several studies on declining religious affiliation and faith among youth and young adults in the United States. Key findings include: intellectual skepticism and doubt are primary reasons youth leave faith; over half of evangelical Christian youth will abandon their faith by college age; and negative perceptions of hypocrisy in the church and tensions between faith and science contribute to declining religious affiliation among Generation Z youth.
The document summarizes findings from several studies on declining religious affiliation and faith among youth and young adults in the United States. Key findings include: intellectual skepticism and doubt are primary reasons youth leave faith; over half of evangelical Christian youth will abandon their faith by college age; and negative perceptions of hypocrisy in the church and tensions between faith and science contribute to declining religious affiliation among Generation Z youth.
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Several research studies were discussed that examined faith among teenagers and young adults, including declining church attendance and holding unorthodox theological beliefs.
Research studies mentioned include Soul Searching (2005), The State of Theology (2015), and America's Changing Religious Landscape (2015).
Factors found to influence continuing in faith include quality of parent relationship, seeing faith make a difference in parents' lives, involvement in spiritual practices like prayer and Bible reading growing up.
•Research Related to Spiritual Life of Teenagers:
•Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives
of American Teenagers Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton, Oxford University Press, 2005 •Book Findings: The majority of teenagers are incredibly inarticulate about their faith, religious beliefs and practices, and its place in their lives. • The State of Theology Ligonier Ministries and Lifeway Research (2015) • Study Findings: In this survey of theological beliefs, researchers asked self-professing Christians to respond to a series of statements related to classic, historic Christian doctrine. In every answer offered related to these theological beliefs, young people between the ages of 18 and 34 consistently held heretical views at a higher percentage than older respondents. Young people who identify themselves as Christians, are far more likely to hold views that aren’t Christian. • America’s Changing Religious Landscape Pew Research Center (2015) • Study Findings: “The percentage of adults (ages 18 and older) who describe themselves as Christians has dropped by nearly eight percentage points in just seven years, from 78.4% in an equally massive Pew Research survey in 2007 to 70.6% in 2014. Over the same period, the percentage of Americans who are religiously unaffiliated – describing themselves as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular” – has jumped more than six points, from 16.1% to 22.8%.” • Why Christian Kids Leave the Faith Tom Bisset, Discovery House Publishers (1997) • Book Findings: In this very early study, Tom Bisset interviewed people and asked them when, why, and how they abandoned their faith. He identified four prominent reasons: • 1. They left because they had troubling, unanswered questions about the faith. 2. They left because their faith was not “working” for them. 3. They left because they allowed other things to take priority. 4. They left because they never personally owned their faith. •Southern Baptist Convention Data Pinkney, T.C., Remarks to the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, Nashville, Tennessee (2001) •Study Findings: Data from the Southern Baptist Convention indicates that they are currently losing 70-88% of their youth after their freshman year in college. 70% of teenagers involved in church youth groups stop attending church within two years of their high school graduation. •The Southern Baptist Convention’s Family Life Council Southern Baptist Council on Family Life report to Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention (2002) •Study Findings: 88% of the children in evangelical homes leave church at the age of 18 •Only Half of Kids Raised Southern Baptist Stay Southern Baptist •Analysis: The bigger factor behind the SBC’s decline isn’t the struggle to gain new converts; it’s keeping their own. •While close to 1 in 10 Americans identified as Southern Baptist in 1987, that number has been cut in half to 1 in 20 (4.8%) in 2018. •The Southern Baptist Convention’s Family Life Council Southern Baptist Council on Family Life report to Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention (2002) •Study Findings: 88% of the children in evangelical homes leave church at the age of 18 •Revolution George Barna, Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, IL (2005) •Book Findings: If current trends in the belief systems and practices of the younger generation continue, in ten years, church attendance will be half the size it is today. •Revolution George Barna, Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, IL (2005) •Book Findings: If current trends in the belief systems and practices of the younger generation continue, in ten years, church attendance will be half the size it is today. • Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton, Oxford University Press (2005) • Book Findings: Students leave faith behind primarily because of intellectual doubt and skepticism (page 89). “Why did they fall away from the faith in which they were raised?” This was an open-ended question there were no multiple-choice answers. 32% said they left faith behind because of intellectual skepticism or doubt. (“It didn’t make any sense anymore.” “Some stuff is too far-fetched for me to believe.” “I think scientifically and there is no real proof.” “Too many questions that can’t be answered.”) • Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton, Oxford University Press (2005) • Book Findings: Students leave faith behind primarily because of intellectual doubt and skepticism (page 89). “Why did they fall away from the faith in which they were raised?” This was an open-ended question there were no multiple-choice answers. 32% said they left faith behind because of intellectual skepticism or doubt. (“It didn’t make any sense anymore.” “Some stuff is too far-fetched for me to believe.” “I think scientifically and there is no real proof.” “Too many questions that can’t be answered.”) •“Most Twentysomethings Put Christianity on the Shelf…” Barna Study (2006) •Study Findings: A majority of twenty- somethings – 61% of today’s young adults – had been churched at one point during their teen years but they are now spiritually disengaged. •The Last Christian Generation Josh McDowell, David H. Bellis, Green Key Books (2006) •Book Findings: 63% of teenaged Christians don’t believe that Jesus is the Son of the one true God. 51% don’t believe that Jesus rose from the dead. 68% don’t believe that the Holy Spirit is a real entity. Only 33% of churched youth have said that the church will play a part in their lives when they leave home. • LifeWay Research Study LifeWay Research and Ministry Development (2007) • Study Findings: 70% will leave the faith in college. Only 35% eventually return. 7 in 10 Protestants ages 18 to 30 – both evangelical and mainline – who went to church regularly in high school said they quit attending by age 23. 34% of those said they had not returned, even sporadically, by age 30. That means about one in four Protestant young people have left the church. “The most frequent reason for leaving church is, in fact, a self-imposed change, ‘I simply wanted a break from church’ (27%).” “The path toward college and the workforce are also strong reasons for young people to leave church: ‘I moved to college and stopped attending church’ (25%) and ‘work responsibilities prevented me from attending’ (23%).” • Gen Z: The Culture, Beliefs and Motivations Shaping the Next Generation Barna Research Group (2018) • Study Findings: Barna’s most comprehensive research study investigating the perceptions, experiences and motivations of 13- to 18-year-olds in Generation Z, reports the following: • 1. 59% of students in this age group Identify as Christian or Catholic (down from 75% for “Elders”). 21% say they are atheist or agnostic (up from 11% for “Elders’). 14% say they have no religious affiliation (up from 9% for “Elders”) 2. Students in this age group offer the following “barriers to faith”: • a. “I have a hard time believing that a good God would allow so much evil or suffering in the world” (29%) b. “Christians are hypocrites” (23%) 2. Students in this age group offer the following “barriers to faith”: • a. “I have a hard time believing that a good God would allow so much evil or suffering in the world” (29%) b. “Christians are hypocrites” (23%) c. “I believe science refutes too much of the Bible” (20%) d. “I don’t believe in fairy tales (19%) e. “There are too many injustices in the history of Christianity” (15%) f. “I used to go to church but it’s not important to me anymore” (12%) g. “I had a bad experience at church with a Christian” (6%) • 5. Students in this age group hold negative perceptions of the church in the following areas: • a. The church seems to reject much of what science tells us about the world (495) b. The church is overprotective of teenagers (38%) c. The people at church are hypocritical (36%) d. The church is not a safe place to express doubts (27%) e. The faith and teaching I encounter at church seem rather shallow (24%) f. The church seems too much like an exclusive club (17%) 2. Students in this age group offer the following “barriers to faith”: • a. “I have a hard time believing that a good God would allow so much evil or suffering in the world” (29%) b. “Christians are hypocrites” (23%) c. “I believe science refutes too much of the Bible” (20%) d. “I don’t believe in fairy tales (19%) e. “There are too many injustices in the history of Christianity” (15%) f. “I used to go to church but it’s not important to me anymore” (12%) g. “I had a bad experience at church with a Christian” (6%) • How Religious are America’s College and University Professors? Neil Gross, Solon Simmons (2006) • Study Findings: About 25% of college professors are professing atheists or agnostics (5-7% of the general population is atheistic or agnostic). Only 6% of college professors said the Bible is “the actual word of God”. 51% described it as “an ancient book of fables, legends, history and moral precepts.” 75% believe religion does not belong in public schools. The Top 10 Issues Facing Christians Families Today •A two-round survey conducted by the Internet strategies department of LifeWay Christian Resources found that modern families struggle with a variety of issues. •The Internet strategies department of LifeWay, an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention, began soliciting participation in the Top 10 Issues Facing Today’s Family online research project. •10. Materialism. “Materialism is being hurled at us in every television, billboard, radio, and internet screen we encounter, not to mention peer pressure. Too often parents substitute “presents” for “presence” which, I think, lead children to value things more than people.” Vickie, Springfield GA •10. Materialism. “We suffer from Affluenza in this country – we have so much, and kids are learning to want more and more and more, without assessing the true value if things in life, or the fact that so many do without. Patty F Henderson, NV. •Mar 10:23 At lumingap si Jesus sa palibotlibot, at sinabi sa kaniyang mga alagad, Kay hirap na magsipasok sa kaharian ng Dios ang mga may kayamanan! •Mar 10:24 At nangagtaka ang mga alagad sa kaniyang mga salita. Datapuwa't si Jesus ay muling sumagot at nagsabi sa kanila, Mga anak, kay hirap na magsipasok sa kaharian ng Dios ang mga magsisiasa sa mga kayamanan! •Mar 10:25 Magaan pa sa isang kamelyo ang dumaan sa butas ng isang karayom, kay sa isang mayaman ang pumasok sa kaharian ng Dios. PAANO NATIN MAPAPALAKI ANG ATING MGA ANAK NA HINDI MATERIALISTIC? ANU-ANONG MGA GAWI O GAWAIN ANG NAGAGAWA SA LOOB NG TAHANAN NA NAGDADALA SA ATING MGA ANAK NA MAGING MATERIALISTIC? •9. Balance of Work and Family. “Mom comes home tired, dad comes home tired. Family life suffers . . . kids must make decisions for themselves that parents should make for them. Too much emphasis on material things, not on Godly things” Diane, Guyton GA •9. Balance of Work and Family. “Children are spending more and more time away from busy moms and dads which is hurting their mental and spiritual growth. •9. Balance of Work and Family. “The rising pressure to invest more of one’s energy in work at the expense of family. •9. Balance of Work and Family. Psa 90:12 Kaya ituro mo sa amin ang pagbilang ng aming mga kaarawan, upang kami ay mangagtamo sa amin ng pusong may karunungan. •9. Balance of Work and Family. • Mat 11:28 Magsiparito sa akin, kayong lahat na nangapapagal at nangabibigatang lubha, at kayo'y aking papagpapahingahin. • Mat 11:29 Pasanin ninyo ang aking pamatok, at magaral kayo sa akin; sapagka't ako'y maamo at mapagpakumbabang puso: at masusumpungan ninyo ang kapahingahan ng inyong mga kaluluwa. • Mat 11:30 Sapagka't malambot ang aking pamatok, at magaan ang aking pasan. PAANO BA ANG ISANG BALANSENG BUHAY SA TRABAHO AT PAMILYA? ANO ANG MALINAW O SPECIFIC NA GAWI PARA MASABING BALANSE ANG BUHAY SA TRABAHO AT SA PAMILYA? •8. Negative Media Influences. “We are being desensitized daily to what one should tolerate to the point of not recognizing sin as sin but accepting it as the way things are.” Tara, Huber Heights OH •8. Negative Media Influences. “The media continues to increase in promoting not just entertainment but also a worldly agenda. •8. Negative Media Influences. “Php 4:8 Katapustapusan, mga kapatid, anomang bagay na katotohanan, anomang bagay na kagalanggalang, anomang bagay na matuwid, anomang bagay na malinis, anomang bagay na kaibigibig, anomang bagay na mabuting ulat; kung may anomang kagalingan, at kung may anomang kapurihan, ay isipin ninyo ang mga bagay na ito. 1. KUNG MAY MASABING IMPLUWENSYA ANG MEDIA? A. DAPAT BANG MAY TV ANG MGA KRISTIANO SA BAHAY? KUNG OKEY LAMANG NA MAYROON, PAANO ANG MALINAW NA PAGGAMIT NITO? ALIN LAMANG ANG DAPAT PANOORIN? 1. KUNG MAY MASABING IMPLUWENSYA ANG MEDIA? A. KAILAN ANG BEST TIME PARA MAGKAROON NG CELLPHONE ANG ATING MGA ANAK? ITO BA AY IBABASE SA MATURIDAD NG BATA O SA EDAD? •7. Lack of Communication. “Cell phones, the Internet, digital satellite systems, and playstations are becoming substitutes for relationships.” Robert, Bogart GA •7. Lack of Communication. “Families cannot communicate effectively because of text messaging or using a cellphone talking to someone rather than being with the person in physical proximity.” Robert, Bogart GA •7. Lack of Communication. “Perhaps no other activity provides the intimate sharing and conversation time as a calm, comfortable meal together. The rush of today’s schedules prevent families from having this provision”. •7. Lack of Communication. ”The near elimination of meaningful family member interaction” •7. Lack of Communication. •Eph 6:1 Mga anak, magsitalima kayo sa inyong mga magulang sa Panginoon: sapagka't ito'y matuwid. •Eph 6:2 Igalang mo ang iyong ama at ina (na siyang unang utos na may pangako), •7. Lack of Communication. •Eph 6:3 Upang yumaon kang mabuti, at ikaw ay mabuhay na malaon sa lupa. •Eph 6:4 At, kayong mga ama, huwag ninyong ipamungkahi sa galit ang inyong mga anak: kundi inyong turuan sila ayon sa saway at aral ng Panginoon. ANO/AN0 ANO ANG MGA SPECIFIC NA GAWI PARA MAITAYO AT MAPANATILI ANG ISANG “MEANINGFUL COMMUNICATION”? MAGANDA BANG MAGKAROON NG “REGULAR NA MEETING” ANG ISANG TAHANAN? (BUKOD SA FAMILY WORSHIP PURPOSE) •6. Financial Pressures. “Living costs are rising rapidly, especially in terms of health care, prescriptions, and health insurance premiums. It is hard to stay on budget when living costs rise significantly faster than income.” Osborne, Blandon PA •6. Financial Pressures. “The pressure felt by many people to “have” so much “stuff” is overwhelming and credit is an easy way to fulfill the wants and perceived needs. However, its long term anxiety and frustration when the bills can’t paid and the spending must be stopped” •6. Financial Pressures. “The chronic misuse of debt and/or mismanagement of financial resources. •6. Financial Pressures. 1Ti 6:17 Ang mayayaman sa sanglibutang ito, ay pagbilinan mo na huwag magsipagmataas ng pagiisip, at huwag umasa sa mga kayamanang di nananatili, kundi sa Dios na siyang nagbibigay sa ating sagana ng lahat ng mga bagay upang ating ikagalak; •6. Financial Pressures. 1Ti 6:18 Na sila'y magsigawa ng mabuti, na sila'y magsiyaman sa mabuting gawa, na sila'y maging handa sa pamimigay, maibigin sa pamamahagi; •1Ti 6:19 Na mangagtipon sa kanilang sarili ng isang mabuting kinasasaligan para sa panahong darating, upang sila'y •6. Financial Pressures. 1Ti 6:19 Na mangagtipon sa kanilang sarili ng isang mabuting kinasasaligan para sa panahong darating, upang sila'y makapanangan sa buhay na tunay na buhay. PAANO MABUHAY NA HINDI “PRESSURED” FINANCIALLY? •5. Lack of Discipline. “Without discipline and respect in the home, there is none in the world.” Karen, Marshall TX •5. Lack of Discipline. “Two sides of the same coin are self- discipline and self respect. Children do not see the modeling of these attributes in parents or adults, therefore they grow into self-absorbed and selfish adults. •5. Lack of Discipline. “The death of respectful behavior as a norm in our schools, churches, and families. •5. Lack of Discipline. Heb 12:11 Lahat ng parusa sa ngayon ay tila man din hindi ikaliligaya kundi ikalulungkot; gayon ma'y pagkatapos ay namumunga ng bungang mapayapa ng katuwiran sa mga nagsipagsanay sa pamamagitan nito. •5. Lack of Discipline. Col 3:20 Mga anak, magsitalima kayo sa inyong magulang sa lahat ng mga bagay, sapagka't ito'y totoong nakalulugod sa Panginoon. PAANO BA ANG TAMANG PAGDIDISIPLINA SA BATA/ MGA ANAK? •4. Father Figure. “If the fathers in our families do not take the spiritual leadership, how will our children learn to follow God, their heavenly father’s leadership?” Ranita, Woodward OK •4. Father Figure. Eph 6:4 At, kayong mga ama, huwag ninyong ipamungkahi sa galit ang inyong mga anak: kundi inyong turuan sila ayon sa saway at aral ng Panginoon. •MATUWID BANG DAHIL SA TRABAHO AY MAS MARAMING ORAS O PANAHON NA WALA ANG PRESENSYA NG AMA O INA SA TAHANAN? •OPTIONAL PO BA ANG FAMILY ALTAR? •3. Busyness. “Satan uses busyness to think we are being productive, meanwhile, our relationships, our families, our churches are faltering.” Tom, Bowie MD •3. Busyness. “We are too busy to spend time with God. Consequently, we don’t know God who God is which means we don’t know who we are. We then try to establish our value ourselves through fame or fortune which causes us to be busy •3. Busyness. Isa 40:29 Siya'y nagbibigay ng lakas sa mahina; at ang walang kapangyarihan ay pinananagana niya sa kalakasan. •Isa 40:30 Pati ng mga kabinataan ay manlalata at mapapagod, at ang mga binata ay lubos na mangabubuwal: •3. Busyness. Isa 40:31 Nguni't silang nangaghihintay sa Panginoon ay mangagbabagong lakas; sila'y paiilanglang na may mga pakpak na parang mga aguila; sila'y magsisitakbo, at hindi mangapapagod; sila'y magsisilakad, at hindi manganghihina. • MAY MAS MAHALAGA PA BA GAWAIN KAYSA SA GAWAING PANGTAHANAN NA KUNG SAAN AY PAG-UUSAPAN ANG SALITA NG DIOS AT MAGKAKAROON NG MAKABULUHANG KOMUNIKASYON? MAY KAABALAHAN BANG HIHIGIT PA SA FAMILY ALTAR? •2. Divorce. “Divorce seems to be on the increase, even among Christian families, leaving many to wonder (especially children) what commitment really means.” Sherri, Simpsonville SC •2. Divorce. “The ongoing wave of broken marriages and families within the church and without. •2. Divorce. “Books have been written, movies have been produced, and studies have been conducted and still the ravages of divorce continue to reach depths unheard of among Americans. While adults are suffering, children are hurt so deeply that most will continue the divorce cycle into their own marriages. •2. Divorce. Mat 19:3 At nagsilapit sa kaniya ang mga Fariseo, na siya'y tinutukso nila, at kanilang sinasabi, Naaayon baga sa kautusan na ihiwalay ng isang lalake ang kaniyang asawa sa bawa't kadahilanan? •Mat 19:4 At siya'y sumagot at sinabi, Hindi baga ninyo nabasa, na ang lumalang sa kanila buhat sa pasimula, ay sila'y nilalang niya na lalake at babae, •2. Divorce. Mat 19:5 At sinabi, Dahil dito'y iiwan ng lalake ang kaniyang ama at ina, at makikisama sa kaniyang asawa; at ang dalawa ay magiging isang laman? •Mat 19:6 Kaya nga hindi na sila dalawa, kundi isang laman. Ang pinapagsama nga ng Dios, ay huwag papaghiwalayin ng tao. •Mat 19:7 Sinabi nila sa kaniya, Bakit nga ipinagutos ni Moises na magbigay ng •2. Divorce. MaMat 19:7 Sinabi nila sa kaniya, Bakit nga ipinagutos ni Moises na magbigay ng kasulatan sa paghihiwalay, at ihiwalay ang babae? •Mat 19:8 Sinabi niya sa kanila, Dahil sa katigasan ng inyong puso ay ipinaubaya sa inyo ni Moises na inyong hiwalayan ang inyong mga asawa: datapuwa't buhat sa pasimula ay hindi gayon. •KALOOBAN BA NG DIOS ANG DIVORCE? •1. Anti-Christian Culture. “Fewer and fewer of my children’s friends from school have a Christian upbringing, knowledge of God’s Word and how it applies to them. Many of the parents don’t even care.” Allison, Clearwater FL. •1. Anti-Christian Culture. “When church members don’t have a Christian worldview they will readily accept and live according to ideas that are unbiblical and even anti-Christian. Thus they are not the salt and light which will influence non-believers to become believers. •1. Anti-Christian Culture. “The stripping away of Christian heritage and traditional values. •ANU-ANO ANG ANTI- CHRISTIAN CULTURE NA NAIYAYAKAP NA NGAYON NG MGA KRISTIANO? •ANU-ANO ANG ANTI- CHRISTIAN CULTURE NA NAKAKAAPEKTO NA SA MGA TAHANANG KRISTIANO? A Closer Look at How Religious Restrictions Have Risen Around the World. Over the decade from 2007 to 2017, government restrictions on religion – laws, policies and actions by state officials that restrict religious beliefs and practices – increased markedly around the world. And social hostilities involving religion – including violence and harassment by private individuals, organizations or groups – also have risen since 2007, the year Pew Research Center began tracking the issue. A Closer Look at How Religious Restrictions Have Risen Around the World. Over the decade from 2007 to 2017, government restrictions on religion – laws, policies and actions by state officials that restrict religious beliefs and practices – increased markedly around the world. And social hostilities involving religion – including violence and harassment by private individuals, organizations or groups – also have risen since 2007, the year Pew Research Center began tracking the issue. •1. Anti-Christian Culture. •Mat 5:13 Kayo ang asin ng lupa: nguni't kung ang asin ay tumabang, ay ano ang ipagpapaalat? wala nang ano pa mang kabuluhan, kundi upang itapon sa labas at yurakan ng mga tao. •Mat 5:14 Kayo ang ilaw ng sanglibutan. Ang isang bayan na natatayo sa ibabaw ng isang bundok ay hindi maitatago •1. Anti-Christian Culture. •Mat 5:15 Hindi rin nga pinaniningasan ang isang ilawan, at inilalagay sa ilalim ng isang takalan, kundi sa talagang lalagyan ng ilaw; at lumiliwanag sa lahat ng nangasa bahay. •Mat 5:16 Lumiwanag na gayon ang inyong ilaw sa harap ng mga tao; upang mangakita nila ang inyong mabubuting gawa, at kanilang luwalhatiin ang inyong Ama na nasa langit. • Families and Faith: How Religion is Passed Down Across Generations Vern L. Bengtson. Norella M. Putney, Susan Harris, Oxford University Press (2013) • Book Findings: Several key findings were discovered in this 35-year study of families, focusing on the question of how religion is passed across generations: • 1. Parents continue to be the single greatest influence on their children’s faith. 2. When a child sees and hears that faith actually makes a difference in Mom and Dad’s lives, they’re much more likely to follow suit. • Families and Faith: How Religion is Passed Down Across Generations
3. Young adults are more likely to share their parents’
religious beliefs and participation if they feel that they have a close relationship with those parents. 4. Young Christians who leave the faith are far more likely to return when parents have been patient and supportive – and perhaps more tolerant and open than they had been before the prodigal’s departure. • Nothing Less: Engaging Kids in a Lifetime of Faith Jana Magruder and Ben Trueblood (2018) • Book / Study Findings: A study was conducted by Shelby Systems in preparation for the publication of this book. The study surveyed 2,000 Protestant and nondenominational churchgoers who attended services at least once a month and have adult children ages 18 to 30 who are still believers. They found the following “Predictors of Spiritual Health for Young Adults”: • Child regularly read the Bible while growing up. Child regularly spent time in prayer while growing up. Child regularly served in church while growing up. • Nothing Less: Engaging Kids in a Lifetime of Faith Child regularly read the Bible while growing up. Child regularly spent time in prayer while growing up. Child regularly served in church while growing up. Child listened primarily to Christian music. Child participated in church mission trips/projects. • In addition, they found that parents who had successfully passed on their faith to their children typically were involved in the following activities: • Reading the Bible several times a week. Taking part in a service project or church mission trip as a family. • Nothing Less: Engaging Kids in a Lifetime of Faith
Sharing their faith with unbelievers.
Encouraging teenagers to serve in church. Asking forgiveness when they messed up as parents. Encouraging their children’s unique talents and interests. Taking annual family vacations. Attending churches with teaching that emphasized what the Bible says. Teaching their children to tithe.