Mass Exodus: Why Young People are Leaving Church and Rethinking Faith

Half of young Christians say that they have struggled with significant frustrations and doubts about their faith.

Six out of ten report that they have dropped out of church altogether.

Concerned pastors, befuddled parents, and social scientists are all asking the question: “Why?”

Researcher David Kinnaman provides answers in You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving Church and Rethinking Faith. In this work from 2011, Kinnaman combines original research, ministerial experience, and sober reflection to tackle questions that keep ministers up at night: Why are young adults so conspicuously absent from today’s congregations? Is their exodus a sign of burgeoning atheism, religious indifference, institutional disillusionment, or all three? How can religious institutions change in order to meet young people where they are today – and thus ensure the institution’s survival?

As president of The Barna Group – a pioneering social research institute for faith and culture – David Kinnaman brings a wealth of up-to-date information to the conversation on youth and religion. You Lost Me is well worth reading for anyone looking for reliable data on the religiosity of the Millennial generation, and especially for those concerned about the future of Christianity in America.

Back in November, David was kind enough to sit down with TJP for an interview. Check out the videos below for some of the choice moments from our chat. As always, let us know what you think in the comment section below.