LifeWay Research recently discovered why 70% of Protestant young adults ages 18-22 stop attending church regularly for at least a year, why 30% continue attending church, and why 75% of those who dropout return to church at ages 23-30.
AMONG THOSE WHO STOP ATTENDING CHURCH
- 27% say they simply wanted a break from church
>> 20% planned on taking a break from church once they finished high school - 25% say they moved to college and stopped attending church
- 23% say work responsibilities prevented them from attending
- 22% say they moved too far away from the church to continue attending
- 22% became too busy, though still wanted to attend
- 17% chose to spend more time with friends outside the church
Relationships are often the glue that keep people in church or serve as the attraction to begin attending again following a period of absenteeism. Many people are deeply influenced by friends and loved ones.
- Brad Waggoner :: VP of Research & Ministry Development :: LifeWay
AMONG THOSE WHO CONTINUE ATTENDING CHURCH
- 65% say church was a vital part of their relationship with God
- 58% say they wanted the church to guide their decisions in everyday life
- 50% say they felt that church was helping them become a better person
- 42% were committed to the purpose and work of the church
WHY 70% OF DROPOUTS RETURN AT AGES 23-30
- 51% were influenced by the encouragement of either family or friends
>> 39% say parents or family members encouraged them to attend
>> 21% say friends or acquaintances encouraged them to attend - 34% simply felt a desire to return
>> 41% women
>> 22% men - 28% felt that God was calling them to return to the church
>> 34% women
>> 18% men - 24% had children and felt it was time for them to start attending
>> 31% women
>> 13% men - 20% got married and wanted to attend with their spouse
As Brad Waggoner put it, relationships are a powerful factor in church attendance. How can your church create a stronger, friendlier community? How can you build relationships?
