Too many young adults abandon church.

This is about HELPING YOUTH LAST

Intermediate Ministry

It is said that one-third of children in Sunday School quit church for some reason before joining a youth group.

Barna research used to say religious worldview was basically set by age 14. They now say age 13.

Intermediate Age ministry is important – not only for social times, games and fun – but for DISCIPLESHIP, considering the big question of life. They aren’t ‘just big children’. We need to trust that their brains are working – and then to then teach them WHY we might believe this faith to be TRUE. They might otherwise abandon it!

  • Read a ‘quick tips’ sheet — HERE (Pending)

  • Idea: Consider intermediate age gospel/Christian youth camps — planning no different than for your youth group, but for ages 11 and 12. For ideas, talk to your denominational youth leaders — because they will know people who are specialising in this.

  • To note a resident expert on the topic — Ben MacGregor of the Vineyard Church movement is giving specific focus to intermediate aged ministry.

Youth and Young Adult Ministry

It is said that two-thirds of youth in a youth group don’t stay in church for the transition to a young adults ministry or ‘adult’ church life.

Multiple studies affirm that the primary reason is a lack of knowns reasons for believing the faith to be true – in the face of various reasoned and cultural objections.

  • Read a ‘quick tips’ sheet — HERE (Pending)

  • Read a ‘How-To’ chapter on “Young Adults Ministry – The New Paradigm”, from Dave M (Godtalk.nz) — HERE.

  • Consider running the NZ-made ‘Why Christians believe’ video series (NZ made) — WhyChristiansBelieve.nz

  • Note the work of Thinking Matters — who are a national New Zealand’s apologetics ministry, bringing speakers to the nation, creating quick answer videos, also running apologetics camps and various regional monthly gatherings — ThinkingMatters.org.nz