In the same Search Institute survey, a small percentage of youth indicate that they actively engage their faith through prayer, Bible reading, service to others, or other spiritual growth activities.
Fewer than half of the youth in the Search Institute survey say their church challenges them to think and few have meaningful relationships with adults in their congregations.
Young adults experience similar problems with faith formation issues to connect with the church.
One of the ways for the church to turn these dismal statistics around and make the church a place where youth and young adults want to be, is to put a high priority on youth ministries and young adult ministries.
In a survey conducted by Group Publishing, it states that 80% of families with children say youth ministry is a major factor in choosing a church.
In the same survey, 57% of families stated the reason they joined their present church is the strong youth ministry program.
Conclusion: The 1995 National Youth Ministry Organization Legislative Assembly calls for a youth and young adult emphasis for The United Methodist Church during the 1997-2000 quadrennium.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 23075-DI-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference