2008 Woodie Awards
Faith groups lack draw
Matt Hayward
Issue date: 9/24/07 Section: Opinions
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The current climate of Christianity is really deterring for average young people 18- to 24-years-old.
Two years ago, when I started walking with my faith, I couldn't understand why so many of my co-workers and friends refused to attend church or campus religious organizations. Those reasons have become quite clear.
Church services and campus religious organizations are often boring and filled with "perfect people" and are extremely restrictive.
Some will argue you don't attend church or campus religious orgs to be entertained; instead you go to hear the word of the Lord.
That may be true, but I could turn on the TV and hear His word on various Sunday morning programs.
This summer, I got the chance to see my favorite band, Casting Crowns, at a Christian concert. Surrounding me were thousands of other young Christians standing in the middle of a field shouting out to God.
But when I went to church a few days later, none of them were there. After about 20 minutes, I too got up and left. The message being discussed wasn't targeted toward me, and even after two years, I'm still learning how to walk by faith.
In the age of iPods and cell phones, Christianity is stuck in the ice age - and I would argue - is not reaching young people, 18- to 24-year-olds. There seems to be this notion that one has to be perfect to attend church and religious gatherings.
Honestly, I enjoy drinking with friends from time to time, and have, on occasion, gotten drunk. For some individuals, a person can't consume alcohol and still call themselves a Christian. That explains why you'll see a college student attending class with a hangover and not church.
I have yet to understand how abstaining from alcohol or sex would make anyone a better Christian than one who does not. For me, faith should be liberating and accepting of all individuals regardless of the things they do or how they act.
But far too often, I see people who call themselves Christians, judging others who may have a beer or engage in fights or swear.
The purpose is not to criticize all churches or religious organizations. Nor am I saying the only thing that prevents young people from attending church is alcohol; it's just one example.
What I am saying is that religious organizations are falling short in their efforts to bring young people into the fold.
To do this, they need to try untraditional methods. Just once, I'd like to walk out of a bar and see a priest or pastor offering a student a ride home...even if the student is drunk.
The only way to reach young people is to get on their level, and at this point, religious organizations are way above young people's level.
Two years ago, when I started walking with my faith, I couldn't understand why so many of my co-workers and friends refused to attend church or campus religious organizations. Those reasons have become quite clear.
Church services and campus religious organizations are often boring and filled with "perfect people" and are extremely restrictive.
Some will argue you don't attend church or campus religious orgs to be entertained; instead you go to hear the word of the Lord.
That may be true, but I could turn on the TV and hear His word on various Sunday morning programs.
This summer, I got the chance to see my favorite band, Casting Crowns, at a Christian concert. Surrounding me were thousands of other young Christians standing in the middle of a field shouting out to God.
But when I went to church a few days later, none of them were there. After about 20 minutes, I too got up and left. The message being discussed wasn't targeted toward me, and even after two years, I'm still learning how to walk by faith.
In the age of iPods and cell phones, Christianity is stuck in the ice age - and I would argue - is not reaching young people, 18- to 24-year-olds. There seems to be this notion that one has to be perfect to attend church and religious gatherings.
Honestly, I enjoy drinking with friends from time to time, and have, on occasion, gotten drunk. For some individuals, a person can't consume alcohol and still call themselves a Christian. That explains why you'll see a college student attending class with a hangover and not church.
I have yet to understand how abstaining from alcohol or sex would make anyone a better Christian than one who does not. For me, faith should be liberating and accepting of all individuals regardless of the things they do or how they act.
But far too often, I see people who call themselves Christians, judging others who may have a beer or engage in fights or swear.
The purpose is not to criticize all churches or religious organizations. Nor am I saying the only thing that prevents young people from attending church is alcohol; it's just one example.
What I am saying is that religious organizations are falling short in their efforts to bring young people into the fold.
To do this, they need to try untraditional methods. Just once, I'd like to walk out of a bar and see a priest or pastor offering a student a ride home...even if the student is drunk.
The only way to reach young people is to get on their level, and at this point, religious organizations are way above young people's level.