WHY DO TEENS DROP OUTTA CHURCH - A RESEARCH PROJECT

About a year ago I sent out several survey letters and emails to Pastors/Youth leaders around the country and had them weigh in on the things that cause teens to either stay or go from the church when they get outta highschool. I'm reviving this project. Here are the questions and some top answers.. PLEASE WEIGH IN on this! It's that important!

Questions: What age were you when you moved out of your parent/guardians house?
Did you continue faithfully in church when you moved out? Why or why not?
Did the church you attended as a child have an active children's and youth ministry?
What was your favorite part about church as a child/teenager?
What did you dislike most about church as a child/teenager?
For those who stayed- Who made the greatest impact on you staying faithful in the church?
Did you feel like a vital part of the Church growing up?

Tell us your story! We may can use it to impact the lives of others!

POPULAR ANSWERS and statements from me:
1. I remember as a child being bored during the sermon, because I did not understand the depth of the sermons. As a teenager, it was the song service. I hate to say this, but I rarely paid any attention to the preacher. (This is a big issue. Are we as leaders teaching over the heads of the people in the pews at times? How do we fix this... How do we make our sermons relevant enough to keep attention, yet deep enough to aid in spiritual growth!?)

2. My leaders at summer youth camp had a big impact on me staying church and encouraging my relationship with God to grow. I always drew strength from summer camp and looked forward to it every year. (This is great!! So how do we keep that summer camp experience fresh in our local youth groups? Ages old Challenge)

3. They leave because of no real connection with the church. They are not in youth anymore and aren't ready for the adult world. So the world they live in is where they choose to connect and where they make their life choices. (This speaks volumes for itself).

MORE TO COME ON THIS LATER>> Again take the time to leave some feedback please!