High Expectations

How To Raise The Bar So People Will Stay?

A recent research study included a survey of 406 young adults who stayed in church during the critical ages of 18 to 22 and who have remained in church since then.

What are some of the primary reasons these young adults stayed in the church? Here's what they had to say:

"Church is a vital part of my relationship with God." Two-thirds of the respondents could not see themselves as vibrant Christians without being an active part of a local congregation.

"I wanted the church to help guide my decisions in everyday life." A significant majority of these young adults indicated that the church was essential in the ongoing decisions of life. Church is not optional, auxiliary, or peripheral. Church is essential. It is a major part of the believer's life. And the Christian cannot imagine life without the support of a local congregation.

"I was committed to the purpose and work of the church." These churched young adults told us that they not only knew the purpose of the church, they embraced that purpose as well.

Keep in mind that most of these young adults are in churches that are making a difference in lives and in the community. These are not the churches that simply go through the motions, have meaningless meetings and expect little of their members. No, these are essential churches with high expectations.

What about us here at NGC? Something to think about. Are we just going through the motions?