Are you prepared?
Posted in Misti's Posts, transition 0 comments
Graduation. It's a time of excitement, and a time of sadness. Students are experiencing the powerful feeling of freedom, and the fear of the unknown. Parents are proud, and at the same time sad to know their time of instruction and raising is coming to an end. We experience so many emotions when faced with this big milestone (whether we are parents, students or spiritual leaders). It is very easy to get carried away with dreams of the future.
As I made preparations for nine students to graduate high school and begin the process of leaving the youth group, I've been thinking a lot about what it will be like to let them go. Not only do I have an emotional attachment to each of them; but fears for their spiritual growth as they look toward their future. You see, I have been their Sunday school teacher, confidant, fellow worker in Christ, and 'partner-in-crime' for 6 years. I have experienced the 7th grade 'awkwardness', their 'aha' moments, and their growth in the Lord--and I have invested in their spiritual walk.
Barna research has found that over 65 percent of young adults leave the church after high school. That means that, statistically speaking, 6 of my graduating students will walk away from corporate worship and Bible study. Now some may say that 'church' is not as important as 'faith'. I would agree with that statement; however, faith cannot be developed in a vacuum, and it certainly won't be an important priority in most college dorms. As students get a taste of the world's idea of freedom, they will be less impressed with God's idea of it. The research also shows that the abandonment of faith will carry over into their marriages and, initially, raising their own children.
Students spend hours and hours researching a career field and a college degree that will carry them for the next 40 years of their work life. How much time do they spend investigating churches in the area of their chosen college which will serve to transition them in their with God (which will ultimately carry them for the rest of their lives, not to mention eternity).
Failing to plan is planning to fail, and this has never seemed so important to me as it does right now. Think about it: it's HARD to walk into a strange church on a Sunday morning not knowing the people or the theology of the church. No wonder many students who have been in the church all their lives won't darken the door during their college years. It's easier to skip than to step out in faith.
My advice is this: Take the time this summer to research a new church, especially if you will be living on campus. Talk to pastors, check out websites (many churches have them now, and their mission statement should be easy to find on their sites), and consult your parents and current church leaders for advice. It's no longer mom and dad's job to get you to church; now it's on you.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:4-5
As I made preparations for nine students to graduate high school and begin the process of leaving the youth group, I've been thinking a lot about what it will be like to let them go. Not only do I have an emotional attachment to each of them; but fears for their spiritual growth as they look toward their future. You see, I have been their Sunday school teacher, confidant, fellow worker in Christ, and 'partner-in-crime' for 6 years. I have experienced the 7th grade 'awkwardness', their 'aha' moments, and their growth in the Lord--and I have invested in their spiritual walk.
Barna research has found that over 65 percent of young adults leave the church after high school. That means that, statistically speaking, 6 of my graduating students will walk away from corporate worship and Bible study. Now some may say that 'church' is not as important as 'faith'. I would agree with that statement; however, faith cannot be developed in a vacuum, and it certainly won't be an important priority in most college dorms. As students get a taste of the world's idea of freedom, they will be less impressed with God's idea of it. The research also shows that the abandonment of faith will carry over into their marriages and, initially, raising their own children.
Students spend hours and hours researching a career field and a college degree that will carry them for the next 40 years of their work life. How much time do they spend investigating churches in the area of their chosen college which will serve to transition them in their with God (which will ultimately carry them for the rest of their lives, not to mention eternity).
Failing to plan is planning to fail, and this has never seemed so important to me as it does right now. Think about it: it's HARD to walk into a strange church on a Sunday morning not knowing the people or the theology of the church. No wonder many students who have been in the church all their lives won't darken the door during their college years. It's easier to skip than to step out in faith.
My advice is this: Take the time this summer to research a new church, especially if you will be living on campus. Talk to pastors, check out websites (many churches have them now, and their mission statement should be easy to find on their sites), and consult your parents and current church leaders for advice. It's no longer mom and dad's job to get you to church; now it's on you.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:4-5
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