Too many intermediates and young adults abandon church.

This is about HELPING YOUTH LAST

Intermediate Ministry

It is said that between one-third and one-half of children in Sunday School retreat from involvement with church before joining a youth group.

Barna research used to say religious worldview was basically set by age 14. They now say age 13. ‘Reasons for faith’ matters – but so does giving a significant focus to intermediate-aged ministry!

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 on traversing age-transitions well — from a talk by Neville Bartley (National Youth Director – Scripture Union) – here.

  • Read a ‘quick tips’ sheet on intermediate aged ministry — Ben MacGregor of the Vineyard Church movement is giving specific focus to intermediate aged ministry – here.

  • Idea: Consider intermediate age Christian youth camps — planning no different than for your youth group, but for ages 11 and 12. Doing this shows you value this age group. If valued, they’ll turn up! For ideas, talk to your denominational youth leaders — because they will know those who are specialising in this in our nation.

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 on traversing age-transitions well – by Neville Bartley (National Youth Director – Scripture Union) — HERE

  • 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) — noting a lack of ‘reasons’ for faith is the primary cause of young adult’s leaving (requiring equipping when they are ages 11 to 15 especially) – 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