Churches connecting to youth today

Okay, now I am not making this thread so it can lead to an argument between religions, but to ask of advice from everybody in this forum.

A growing problem among churches is that they are failing to connect with a younger audience, or even keep the youth they have after they graduate high school. The leader of a youth group I am apart is asking my group to brainstorm reasons why people seem to stop going to church after they leave youth groups and graduate high school, and come up with reasons on how to keep them. I am also looking for advice on how to attract more outsiders to the church, young and old (but preferably young).


Now I might kinda know what most peoples beliefs are on the topic, but all I am asking is for all you to put in your opinions and views on why younger people stop going to church after youth group, and how to solve this problem. I would also appreciate ideas on what the churches approach should be in attracting the younger population.

I am doing this for Chris, the youth group director, as I respect him and I am a friend of his. I feel I should help him out by asking you guys and suggesting ideas on this to him.

I would like to thank you in advance, if you do take part in this thread. I appreciate you helping me in trying to help out another friend. Thanks.

I feel like a plethora of young adults seek to estrange themselves from normative life (or at least what has always been normal). I think the problem begins with many parents who do not cite the interest in their kids; but rather, force attendance and make it an association of obligation rather than choice.

Religious views do have some bearing on the motivation to continue attending church, and it has to be understood that many kids will also undergo a few radical changes in their views. This is to be expected, and again, can be associated with parental influence. I think there aren't enough distinctions drawn for the benefit of attending, especially when it comes down to the opportunity to sleep in for once.

I agree with Connor, the majority of people who stop going, stop because they were forced to go all their lives. They see Church as a chore rather than something positive.

Yes, thank you! Keep the ideas and thoughts coming!