I heard that there is a food-fight at World Magazine's on-line site on this topic. I've not visited because I pretty much know the positions that are being articulated.
A few weeks ago I saw this post by PCA colleague, Rev. Andrew Webb. I've held off writing something until now. Here is his opening paragraph:
"A recent America's Research Group survey has confirmed the dire stats earlier reported by the Southern Baptist/Lifeway survey, namely that 88-89% of broadly evangelical kids leave the church by college. To quote from the article in the Christian Post: "According to ARG's survey, 95 percent of 20- to 29-year-old evangelicals attended church regularly during their elementary and middle school years. Only 55 percent went to church during high school. And by college, only 11 percent were still attending church."
According to Webb, there are several things that won't fix the problem: homeschooling, more church programs, making church relevant and hip, or pretending that there isn't a problem.
He also lists some solutions: Preach the whole GOSPEL (his emphasis); Rediscover PRAYER and PRAYER MEETING (his emphasis); Parents don't delegate your responsibility to the church and/or youth group, and Reinstitute Family Worship and Catechesis.
I, for one, found the article refreshing. You can read it in its entirety by clicking on the link below.
Stopping the Loss of Our Children from the Church
2 comments:
Thanks for sharing the article. Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing has a devotional book based on the Westminster Shorter Catechism called "Training Hearts and Teaching Minds", which is helpful in catechising children.
Jeremy,
Got it. Our church families are also being introduced to it as they are memorizing the WSC.
Hope that all is well in your neck of the woods. We need to get together for fellowship.
Dave
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