Church Not Very Important to “Tweens”
Many 8 to 12 year olds don’t feel that church makes a difference.
A new survey from Barna Research has focused on what is working for pre-teens in their lives. Not surprisingly, the study’s results hold both “good news and bad news” for parents and church leaders. According to the survey, 79% of “tweens” feel safe at home; 69% share regular family dinners together (see post below); and 91% are reprimanded by their parents for using bad language. Nine out of ten (94%) kids said that they have good friends that they can trust. That’s all pretty good…
On the other hand, only 38% of surveyed youth said that church makes a positive difference in their lives, and only 34% said that prayer is very important to them. When asked if they would rather be popular than do what is morally right, only 43% rejected the notion.
The survey went on to identify what seemed to affect the quality of life for the “tweens”. Three items emerged from this analysis:
• Successful academic achievement
• Having both parents in the home and involved in the child’s life
• An active relationship with God through Jesus Christ
While they obviously do not guarantee trouble-free teenage years, these factors work together to strengthen a child’s potential for being a well-balanced teen.
At LOGOS, we try to reinforce the wholeness of a child’s life…where family life and church life are congruent. In this way, parents and loving adults work together to surround each young person with support and guidance within a broad Christian world view. Church is seen as an integral part of this perspective and not something that is “in addition to” the child’s core life activities. The relationships between kids and their supportive network of adults are the glue that holds this model together.
October 23, 2006 at 9:33 pm
The may not “feel” that it is important, but I wonder if their ongoing involvement in church as children makes a real differnce that cannot be perceived by them. Consistently going to church and being exposed to Christian beliefs may create a mindset and set of values that has a residual effect that does matter.
October 24, 2006 at 2:09 pm
I think as these children become adults they could become more aware of how church was a positive influence for them.
I bet another important factor to this issue is the quality of the church itself. I attended an adult-focused church growing up and have fond memories of doodling on the hymn sheets. My best friend’s church was much more accepting to a younger church audience and the times I visited are fond memories for me today. Is church not very important to this age group because this age group is not important to many churches?
October 24, 2006 at 10:08 pm
I think John hits the nail on the head. Churches give lip service to children being important, but when push comes to shove, worship is organized and aimed at the grown-ups. Add to this the way churches deal with little ones—taking them out of the worship so they won’t bother the adults to another time and space where they play and eat sugary snacks. No wonder when they grow up they are not interested in “church.”
October 25, 2006 at 1:23 pm
Hmm. Greg’s idea of involvement as children making a difference they can’t perceive got me thinking. If a church only ministers to adults, how will the next generation ever come to know church?
The adults that are at church now must have a reason for going, some might have even grown up as churchgoers. How did the church reach them, and could those methods apply today?
October 25, 2006 at 4:13 pm
John, it is not just about who the church ministers to but it is helping everyone understand the purpose of worship in such a way that it becomes our natural response to God all the time. The only way we come to live this is by both learning it and experiencing it. Worship is always for an audience of one and a part of who we are in all places and times. God created us to worship him. God also created us to be in community with him and each other. The worshipping community is to be all parts (which includes ages) being together as one. Knowing that each one of us belongs, no matter our age, is key to being able to live out a life of worship. I was raised in a church and that is why I continue today because I have always known that I belonged. I mattered to God and to others.
October 25, 2006 at 6:50 pm
I think I agree with everyone here so far. I was raised in a church but didn’t get the feeling that I mattered much to anyone in that church except for God. Like John, my church wasn’t as accepting of younger worshippers. Through personal experiences my faith developed and became an outward expression. Now I do know that what I do in the church matters but I came to the conclusion in a different way. I think to the young people who attend the church, who have few preconceived notions, it can be about who the church is ministering to. I am arguing for involvement with youth somehow, and I like what TM said about “mattering to God and others”.
October 26, 2006 at 10:57 pm
Billy, I think we are saying very similar things. The key is that young people know they are being ministered to, which I would say means they feel like they belong. However, I am aware of many churches who pass rules and regulations that let them know they don’t belong like no skateboarding on church property, no youth drop in centers because of the liability, no guitars, drums, etc. Al are messages that you don’t belong.
November 19, 2006 at 1:49 am
Church is so much important.I am 15 years old and I am living my life for the Lord, and ever since I gave my life to the Lord, everyday just gos better than the day before.Please give god your life and go to church, and you will see that it feels so good
November 20, 2006 at 3:22 pm
tee-tee,
That is awesome that you have those feelings and are so connected to the Lord. Keep growing in your relationship with Him.
May 11, 2007 at 7:02 pm
I feel like,if the younger children come together,with more of the word of the LORD they will be alot more focused on life,and the Right way to live.By The LORD’S Commandments and he will Guide them in the Right Direction-All Things Are Possible–Luke 18:27)