Rick Lawrence’s Scratching Where Kids Itch ( Group, September-October 2009) reveals the results of Group’s annual survey of Christian teenagers. 26,000 students participated in the survey as a part of their Group Workcamps mission experience. This article reveals the first half of the data. The second half will be published in the November-December issue.
Among the findings:
- Sometimes I really wish I had another adult in my life, besides my parents, who could help me grow in my faith. Agree: 44.9%, Disagree: 55.1%
- I’ve done things that no one really knows about that impact my ability to feel loved by God. Agree: 50.1%, Disagree: 49.9%
- Because of the things I’ve done or said in my life, it’s hard for me to believe I can do something great for God. Agree: 24.1%, Disagree 75.9%
- I’m more interested in experiencing God than in gaining knowledge about him. Agree: 65.9%, Disagree 34.1%
- I often have real doubts about whether God is real. Agree: 23.5%, Disagree: 76.5%
So What?
Youth ministries need to provide tweens and teens with a safe environment that enables them to learn about and experience the Christian faith while developing meaningful relationships with other students and with adult mentors.
For those who serve in youth ministries
- How do you seek to foster the growth, both formally and informally, of mentoring relationships between adults and youth?
- How do you encourage students to openly and honestly struggle with their doubts?
- How do you determine the right mix of Christian experience and Christian education?