So today at youth group, where I am the "fearless" leader, we did "Your Questions Answered" - a lesson borrowed from our former Youth Pastor (and valued mentor). The youth submitted questions for me to answer (as best as I can). Many were silly questions about my past and who I am, which is okay, because who wouldn't want to know that my favorite color is purple and that I am afraid of bats. But there were some deeper questions: why is patriotism good; why does God love us unconditionally; is emotional pain good; how can we know truly what God wants for us. These were some great questions, and we spurred some great discussions.
One question troubled the middle school and high school youth. According to a recent survey (see "The Group"), 85% of youth will cease attending church by the time they are in their junior year of college. I told that stat to the youth and they expressed their disbelief. I asked them whether they thought they would leave the church in college and how they would try to maintain their faith. It was an interesting discussion. Some of the youth even promised that they would still come to youth group while in college. It is a noble aspiration, but I fear that percentage number may have some validity. In thinking about it, my question might be better addressed to the adults - what will you do help the youth maintain their faith . . .
Interesting thought
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