By Willie Spears, Guest Columnist
Easter Sunday was two weeks ago. I saw several posts on social media celebrating the Resurrection. If you scrolled through my timeline, you would think everyone went to church on Easter and most Sundays.
When I was a little boy, I don’t know if I knew anyone who did not go to church. I was born and raised in the South, where attending church was a weekly tradition.
For the past 25 years, I have served in ministry and noticed many young people are not attending church.
This observation is backed up by research from the Barna Group.
Here are five reasons young people have stopped or never started going to church regularly.
- My way or the highway
Church people seem to have no time for any viewpoint that doesn’t align with theirs. They can be closed-minded as they look down on anyone who doubts their theology or asks questions.
In their manual, the Bible says, “As iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another.” If iron strikes, iron sparks could fly. Jesus listened to doubters and welcomed them.
One of Jesus’ disciples, Thomas, was a holy man who doubted. Truth be told, all the disciples doubted, but Thomas got stuck with the name “Doubting Thomas.” - Unclear messages
Church visitors revealed they did not understand the message from the church communicator or preacher. Messages were over their head, and they needed the Biblical foundation to follow the message. - Not finding community
You would think the local church would be the one place you could find community. Unfortunately, most churches only want a comfortable community. If you don’t look like them, worship like them and share the same hidden rules of the church’s society, they don’t want you.
You can visit, but experiencing a genuine community is rare for young people with multiple piercings, tattoos, untraditional hairstyles and dress. - The church is full of
hypocrites
This is a true statement but is not a good reason not to attend church.
Walmart is full of hypocrites, and we continue to go there. Young people see the lack of moral integrity in church leadership and use this as a reason not to attend church.
The problem is we only hold churches to this unrealistic standard. Our doctor, professor, dentist and hair stylist are exempt from perfection.
I agree church leaders should be beyond reproach; however, their missing the standard should not justify us missing the church service. - The absence of God
Is God attending our church services? If God is not attending, why should young people attend? Does church start on time, and is the service done with excellence? Are there activities for young adults? Can we feel the presence of God?
My pastor once told me I would ruin a perfect church if I walked inside because I’m not perfect.
The church is full of people who are forgiven, not perfect. Join us.
Easter is a good Sunday to go to church, and so is next Sunday.
“Now Hiring” is a weekly article written by author and public speaker Willie Spears, a Northwestern alumnus.
He has written 13 books and travels around the country, adding value to the lives of others through his books and dynamic presentations. Learn more at www.williespears.com.