April 2014 – In the midst of numbers of studies on how many young adults stop attending church, Jon Nielson, college pastor at College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, shared his ministry experience to explain the factors that will keep young people in church. Nielson cited three traits found in those who remain active in church.
1. They are converted: Students who stay in church as young adults are not just good kids, but they have experienced the work of the Holy Spirit in a true conversion. They keep coming to church because they love Jesus.
2. They have been equipped, not entertained: Students have been prepared through discipleship, Bible study and prayer to share their faith and do gospel work.
3. Their parents preached the gospel to them: What students receive in church must be reinforced at home with parents who lead their children in faith as they grow up.
