We continue looking at why young people fifteen and older leave the church, according to Barna research.1 The latest reason is young people don’t feel safe questioning their faith. They “do not feel safe admitting that sometimes Christianity does not make sense.” They don’t feel like they can “ask [their] most pressing life questions in church,” including “doubts about [their] faith.” Young people also “feel marginalized” because the church doesn’t understand “depression or other emotional problems.” My guess is some churches don’t have the answers. Parents, we need to encourage conversations about faith, even with those kids who question their faith. It’s at these moments we can point them to Scripture and talk it through. Don’t leave it up to their peers to give them the wrong information.  

1Based on “Six Reasons Young Christians Leave Church,” Barna.org

Suggested Reading: 2 Peter 1:10