TITLE: Where Do We Stand? (Part 2)

Introduction:

1. The first lesson looked at how we are doing in comparison to major denominations and other religious groups in America.

2. This lesson will focus on – the internal divisions and are we keeping our youth?

Divisions

1. Our goal, since the days of the early Restoration Movement, has always been unity based on the teaching of the Bible.

2. However, some divisions over issues that some feel are too important to ignore have taken place.

3. Others

   1. There are more than 30 separate Baptist denominations

   2. A growing number of Baptists congregations are becoming independent from the denominational structures.

   3. There are 13 Lutheran denominations

   4. There are 11 Methodist denominations

   5. Every major denomination is splintered, divided.

4. What about us?

Are we losing our young people?

1. All churches experience a loss of young people after they leave home – college, job, start a family

2. Barna Research (a national religious research company) found in 2002 up to 70% of young people leaving the religious affiliation of their childhood.

3. Southern Baptist Church – found 88% leaving after high school

4. A campus minister's estimate of losses was 80%.

5. A survey by Lewis, Dodd, and Tippins in the 1990's – 55%.

Yeakley's surveys over the past 30 years

1. 55% stay in churches of Christ.

2. 33% leave churches of Christ and never return.

3. 12% leave but return after getting married and start a family.

The most recent study shows:

1. 60% stay in churches of Christ.

2. 20% leave and join some other religious group.

3. 20% leave and have no religious affiliation.

Yeakley did a study among the alumni of our Christian colleges and universities

1. 83.5% are still members

2. 7.8% do not attend, but still claim churches of Christ as their preference

3. 6.5% have joined other religious groups

4. 2.4% have no present religious affiliation

After high school choices

1. 80% will attend college – national average is 67%

2. 30% will attend a Christian college or university

3. 50% will attend some other kind of school

4. 20% will not attend college at all

Additional Findings

1. Attention to our children and teens is important.

2. A challenging adult Bible curriculum is am important key to keep adults bringing their children

3. Mainstream churches retain the most.

4. Lowest retention rates were among more liberal churches.

5. More liberal churches lost more members who joined other groups.

6. Conservative congregations who lost members that just dropped out with no religious affiliation.

7. Both parents active – 80% will remain in church

8. One parent active – 50% will remain in church

9. Neither parent active – 20% will remain in church

Conclusion

1. We are doing many things well, but have some room to improve.

2. The bad news is not as bad as many claim it to be.

3. The good news is not as good as it should be.

4. The future of the Lord's church in America can be bright.