Sally is getting ready to go to university this September and she is like many others in her class. The time that a teenager graduates from high school and enters college or university is an important step in their lives. Often at this moment they transition from being their parents' child to an adult. And as many students say, "Adulting is hard!!"
Through these transitions so many decisions need to be made:
Who will be my friends?
What should I study?
What will my career be?
Who can I trust?
Is my future spouse here?
How will I shape 'me'?
With so many things out of control these days, Sally will try to find things that she is able to control. It might be impossible to find a job in her field that she enjoys, buy a house in the city, or find a husband; but she can control what she believes.
This Renegotiating Faith study shows the impact of this moment in the life of Canadians 18-28 years old who have spent significant time in church. Why are 66% of Canadian young adults leaving the church? How can we help students like Sally from walking away from the faith that she grew up with?
Power to Change partnered with other Canadian Christian organizations to try to find answers to these questions. The study is extensive, and the executive summary (pages 10-13) is a very helpful overview. We found this helpful to put words to what we observe on campus everyday. I hope reading this gives you a glimpse into our everyday battle for souls on campus. Click Here to get the report and more information about the study.
In the end of July, we had the joy of gathering with the Power to Change staff from all 10 ministries plus support staff from across Canada.
Such a blessing it is to celebrate what God is doing through these staff and the thousands of volunteers around the world!