Research shows if we want our kids’ faith to stick after they leave home, they need to be exposed and connected to Christians of all ages.
We are surrounded by a “youth is awesome,” culture. We are all supposed to look and act at least ten years younger than we are and there are all kinds of products and procedures out there to help us achieve perpetual youth in our appearance. Looking and acting younger has become a bit of a cultural obsession.
Statistics show that 40% to 50% of teens raised in Christian homes who regularly attend church, will leave their faith behind during college, even those kids who were really active in huge youth groups. However, a youth pastor recently told me about research that shows that the ones who stay true to their faith had strong relationships with church members of all ages. It’s called Sticky Faith and you can read about it here if you are interested.
http://fulleryouthinstitute.org/sticky-faith/press-release
I can’t say that I really find that so surprising. In our quest to build youth groups and Sunday School classes with hundreds of kids who gather regularly for fun and fellowship, they are missing out on relationship with older members of the faith. Hey, wait a minute, is the research stating that older church members have something valuable to contribute to our children’s faith walk? Yes. That’s exactly what the research says.
Come to think of it, the Bible says that too. Job 12:12 says, “Wisdom belongs to the aged and understanding to the old.” Psalm 92:14 says, “Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. By the way, Psalms and Job both belong to the Books of Wisdom in the Old Testament, just one more point to ponder.
So what does this all mean? Should we do away with large and vibrant youth groups? Of course we shouldn’t. Fellowship with other young Christians is important. But, there’s a certain amount of wisdom that can really only be attained by living. When we live year after year, we make mistakes. We learn about redemption. We experience true grace. Is it really possible for college students or other teens to have the wisdom that someone over forty has? Maybe the better question is, “Is it probable?”
Everyone’s faith walk is unique and everyone who is on that walk has something unique to share. Those who have been on it longer really have the opportunity to share and mentor those who are newer. I believe that’s what God wants for us in Christian community. I believe that’s what God wants for us and our children in church.
So how can we be a part of the, “Sticky Faith,” principle? For one thing, we can encourage our kids to develop relationships with older Christians. Then, we as older Christians, can seek out opportunities to develop relationships with the children and youth in our churches. Even though we may have raised our own long ago, as more experienced Christians, we still have a part to play in the spiritual growth of the kids of all ages in our church. As long as we are alive and breathing, God isn’t done with us yet.
Turns out that older is sometimes better. But, we already knew that; didn’t we?
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂