Kevin, thanks for the feedback on the Barna article. I've heard similar commentary on the use of Barna's research. However, I must say the majority of his commentary, especially the stuff on twentysomethings I think is fairly solid. I could be wrong (it happens alot). But, after talking with many youth pastors at the NYWC in both Austin and Charlotte, I discovered many are saying similar things in regards to the drop off in spiritual interests when their students leave the youth group. Finding a way to reach these students seems to be cloaked in mystery. There is also evidence to support the fact that high school students need to be taught how to think from a biblical worldview.
For example, Lifeshape (Lifeshape.org) runs a gap year program called IMPACT 360. This program is specifically geared to train graduating seniors and college age adults a biblical worldview. They acheive this by integrating a rigorous academic program with an international/cultural experience, and small group interaction. This kind of holistic approach to biblical training is severely lacking in many churches.
It's no secret that students are hungry for deep, significant content. Many times churches shy away from engaging students on an intimate level because they are more interested in building numbers to support programs. There's no doubt this approach is fleeting. After talking with many of you at the Youth Specialties convention what I hear is that you're into providing your students with deep content that doesn't talk down to students, and that numbers don't matter to you, whereas relationships are everything. That gets me stoked!
Wow, I've rambled! Chime in ya'll whenever you want. Kevin got us going. Is he right? Is Barna way off? Did ya'll read his newest book Revolution? Let's go ya'll, time to ENTER THE DIALOG!
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