Why Young Adults Quit Church

From time to time I revisit the question: why are young adults walking away from religion? Although the answer(s) vary from person to person, there are some general trends that I think apply in most cases.

#1 – We’ve Been Hurt

I can actually include myself in this one personally. Sometimes the hurtful act is specific, like when my youth leader threw a Bible at me for asking the wrong questions. Sometimes it’s rhetorical, either from the pulpit, in a small group study or over a meal. Sometimes it’s physical, taking the form of sexual abuse or the like.
But millions claim a wound they can trace back to church that has never healed. Why? In part, because the church rarely seeks forgiveness.

#2 – Adult Life/College and Church Don’t Seem to Mix 

There are the obvious things, like scheduling activities on Sunday mornings (hint: young people tend to go out on Saturday nights), but there’s more to it.
In college, and before that by our parents, we’re taught to explore the world, broaden our horizons, think critically, question everything and figure out who we are as individuals. Though there’s value in this, it’s hyper-individualistic. But Church is more about community.
In many ways, it represents, fairly or not, sameness, conformity and a “check your brain at the door” ethos. This stands in opposition to what the world is telling us is important at this time in life.

#3 – We’re Distracted

We have failed to prioritize our time and resources! 

#4 – We Don’t Get It

Young adults today are the most un-churched generation in a long time. In many cases, it’s not that we’re walking away from church; we never went in.
From what I can tell from the outside, there’s not much relevance to my life in there, and I’m not about to take the risk of walking through the door to find out otherwise.- By Christian  Piatt