by David Morris

Created on: June 06, 2008

Why don't more young people come to church? There are two basic explanations. Either the young person has no foundation in the knowledge of Christ: Or the young person is fundamentally groomed in Christianity, and then becomes distracted by worldly habits.

There are different levels of youth. In some churches, this is often evident in Sunday school classes. There are different levels of study according to age. In actuality, all human beings are God's children. Human relationships with God resemble that of a father and his children. God is patient with us. He knows our shortcomings and is tolerant of them as we grow. He expects greatness from us. He is stern. He is also kind and tranquil. Knowing this truth, the Christian asks, "What separates the child from his father?"

The youth with no essential church values, first does not envision the beauty of Christ giving his life to save man from death. More devastating, this particular youth is rendered unprotected to the enemy. With no knowledge of Christ and blind to enemy attacks, this youth is left to make life decisions without guidance from the Tree of Life.

Second, the youth not raised in church does not understand acts of faith. This youth does not devote any of his life to pleasing God for he deems no reason to do so. This young person may adamantly speak of church mockingly.

Finally, the youth not raised in church may simply be afraid of what he does not understand. This youth will make excuses for not attending church. He will honestly become uneasy with the phenomena of the Holy Spirit. Ironically, if he were to grow in church knowledge, the Holy Spirit will cure his phobia.

The other group of youth who don't attend church were raised in church. This particular youth initially has the seed of eternity planted in his spirit. This youth experiences the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the form of his conscience. He does not always act properly. However, he knows the right actions to take.

First, the youth raised in church may grow weary or even bored of living to please God. Though he is conscious of the importance of regularly attending church, he will distance himself. He may now observe church as a job. A church body carries the responsibility of maintaining the church. Every member is required to play a role. This youth may become overwhelmed by school and other activities. Church often requires more than meeting once on Sunday.

Second, the youth raised in church may have done some things unpleasing to God. Fear of scrutiny from fellow church members could cause him to distance himself from church. This youth is aware that Christ offers free pardon of all sin. However, facing adults in the church is often difficult following a serious offense.

Third, the youth raised in church may actually become embarrassed to serve Christ. Following Christ is not often popular amongst other youth. The young person raised in church may develop a rebellious attitude against church as a result of this embarrassment. He will feel a need to fit in with his peers. During adolescence, the youth may even go to the extent of disowning God.

In conclusion, no matter how far away from God a young person becomes, God will always grant clemency. The prodigal son felt a need to experience life without the support of his father. The world broke him down to his lowest. Just as his father welcomed him back with thanksgiving, God is waiting to do the same for His children. Church has an open door policy. Anyone is welcome. Those who have departed fellowship are always welcome back.

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