Research finds reasons 18 to 22-year-olds drop out of church

LifeWay Communications

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A new study from LifeWay Research reveals that more than two-thirds of young adults who attend a Protestant church for at least a year in high school will stop attending church regularly for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22.

"Lots of alarming numbers have been tossed around regarding church dropouts," said Ed Stetzer, director of LifeWay Research, the research arm of LifeWay Christian Resources. "We wanted to get at the real situation with clear research - and there is some bad news here, no question. But, there are also some important solutions to be found in the research. When we know why people drop out, we can address how to help better connect them."

LifeWay Research surveyed in April and May 2007 more than 1,000 adults ages 18-30. Each indicated that they had attended a Protestant church regularly for at least a year in high school.

Why do most young people leave?

Life changes or life situations cause young people to leave the church. In fact, 97 percent of dropouts list one or more specific life-change issues as a reason they left church.

Six of the top 10 reasons church dropouts leave relate to life changes. The most frequent reason for leaving church is, in fact, a self-imposed change, "I simply wanted a break from church" (27 percent).

The paths toward college and the workforce are also strong reasons for young people to leave church: "I moved to college and stopped attending church" (' percent) and "work responsibilities prevented me from attending" (23 percent).

In addition to moving to college, others simply "moved too far away from the church to continue attending" (22 percent) and, it can be assumed, did not find a closer church.

A previous LifeWay Research study of church switchers confirmed that a residential move is the most frequent reason adults switch churches. "A move beyond your local community breaks the existing ties to a local church," said Scott McConnell, associate director of LifeWay Research. "It requires intentional effort to search for a new church home that may not occur immediately, even for those interested in church."

How young people use their time and the relationships they choose can also lead them away from church. Twenty-two percent "became too busy, though still wanted to attend," and 17 percent "chose to spend more time with friends outside the church."

"In our three studies related to church attendance practices: The Formerly Churched, Church Switchers and now the Teenage Dropout study, one thing is abundantly clear," said Brad Waggoner, vice president of research and ministry development at LifeWay. "Relationships are often the glue that keep people in church or serves as the attraction to begin attending again following a period of absenteeism. Many people are deeply influenced by friends and loved ones."

Waggoner said, "Church leaders should passionately and consistently challenge church members to maximize their influence with youth and young adults. Frequent and intentional contact can either prevent or counteract the tendency of some to drop out of church."

Fifty-eight percent of church dropouts selected at least one church or pastor-related reason for leaving church. Most common was, "church members seemed judgmental or hypocritical" (26 percent). Another 20 percent "didn't feel connected to the people in my church."

The final category of reasons, "religious, ethical or political beliefs," contributed to the departure of 52 percent of church dropouts.

Two reasons for leaving reflect this category: "I disagreed with the church's stance on political or social issues" (18 percent) and "I was only going to church to please others" (17 percent).

"Clearly the reasons young people leave are a reflection both of their past experience in church and the new opportunities they have as young adults," McConnell said. "To remain in church, a person must have experienced the value of the teaching and relationships at church and see the relevance for the next phase of life."

Why do some young people stay?

Although they only represent 30 percent of those who attended a Protestant church for at least a year in high school, young adults who stay in church through ages 18-22 see the relevance, benefits and purpose of the church now and for their future.

The two most frequent reasons young people stay in church relate to the relevance of church: "Church was a vital part of my relationship with God" (65 percent) and "I wanted the church to help guide my decisions in everyday life" (58 percent).

Half of those who stayed in church recognize benefits and say, "I felt that church was helping me become a better person" (50 percent).

Forty-two percent remained in church because they were "committed to the purpose and work of the church."

"The vitality and everyday relevance these young people experienced in church is a stark contrast to church dropouts who wanted a break from church and felt unconnected," McConnell said.

Many of those who drop out do eventually return. Among church dropouts who are now ages 23-30, 35 percent currently attend church twice a month or more. Another 30 percent attend church more sporadically. Thus, about two-thirds of those who leave do return at some level.

This return to church after being gone for at least a year is primarily the result of encouragement from others. The most common reason for returning is "My parents or family members encouraged me to attend" (39 percent). Twenty-one percent attribute their return to "My friends or acquaintances encouraged me to attend." Combined, 50 percent of those who return were influenced by the encouragement of either family or friends.