More on those 'Reasons People Leave'

   I've had a few contacts since the blog about the Barna Group Research here. The first thing to note is that my quick summary doesn't do the findings justice but points to the website and the free intro material!!
   Essentially they outline significant percentages in their research of US young adults who could be described as relating to each reason in some significant measure.
   I too think there's something deeper going on which these presenting reasons describe... I posted it as my own thought starter to return to after the holidays and I'll chase up those comments and connections too...
   Suffice to say the question of motivation, the nature of community and the way in which communities of faith identifying as Christian churches do and don't seem like places for young people to connect is more complex and individual than any sample size.
   For me it's also not about becoming relevant but being 'authentic' and in this 'we' have much to do in addressing who we are in the face of complex contextual and societal shifts with which the 'church' at large has failed to keep up with...
   How true that much of ministry and mission and connections into peoples lives revolves around 'relationship' and whether or not the values, ethos and lived out story make sense... how true that each indivisual will have their own reasosn for joining in and staying connected in ways that fit their 21st C lives.
   What I think the research points to is some presenting issues the church could do something about in reshaping itself to engage in God's mission in the world. The 'reasons' all have some connection to where that activity might be focused or not and many are not even asking the hard questions around this...
   OK, my posts for the next three to four weeks will be holiday and sport related, if there are any at all... for the purposes of my vocation... HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS re-membering the story of God become one of us and the impliactions of the invitation to join the party... see you in the New Year!!