Surveys have revealed that only 31 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 regurally attend church—meaning that seven out of 10 twentysomethings* are not attending weekly services.

While religion for our ancestors was often "prescribed," in America no government or human authority can force a person to wake up and worship. We are free.

Freedom to decide for ourselves is a blessing, of course. We are able to practice (or not practice) the religion of our choice. We can share our beliefs publicly. We have the ability to plant churches. We are safe from religious persecution. We have no chains, no punishments.

But freedom comes at a price.

Because people are "free" to stay home on Sunday mornings, many do. Our churches in America are dwindling and aging. Because church attendance is considered optional, nearly 70% of young adults stay home.

How do churches attract young adults? Is the answer more flash and flair? More video illustrations? Better small groups? A change in music styles? A better website?

While these ideas are helpful, churches are held together, not with a great program or a new technique, but with the Spirit of God. As the apostle Paul corrected the Corinthian churches, “All the members of the body, though they are many, are one body … and we were all made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, NAS). According to Paul, the Church is called to be one body.

For the sake of our churches, we must change our perspective and encourage young adults to do the same. Rather than emphasizing our individuality, we should emphasize our commonality -- what we share together in Christ. Yes, we are "voluntary attendees," but for the health of our churches, we must also view ourselves as an army—an army of volunteers who seamlessly unite into one body.

Unity is a powerful force. Only when we move as one body, fighting like one army, that our churches will be truly liberated. When unified, we will experience the pure, unadulterated church that Paul described in his letters to the Corinthians.

 

Dig Deeper:
Romans 12
1 Corinthians 12-13
Ephesians 4

* Source: http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=149