According to Lifeway Research, many young adults drop out of church attendance between 18 and 22. Paul, Shane and Lacey discuss the critical gaps in student ministry and share insights on how church leaders and parents can actively participate in helping students navigate these transitions successfully.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- The four gaps for students between middle and high school.
- How to encourage students during life’s toughest challenges.
- Addressing the gaps proactively.
- Extending care for students beyond graduation Sunday.
- Balancing seeker-sensitive approaches with deep discipleship.
Helpful Resources:
- Addressing the four major gaps in student ministry by Shane Pruitt Article
- Next Gen leader: It’s time for mental health to be a part of student ministry by Shane Pruitt Article
- America Has Reached Peak Therapy. Why Is Our Mental Health Getting Worse? TIME Article
- MinistrySafe
- One Big Happy Home
- Falls Creek Next Chapter
- The Oaks Retreat
We want to hear how you’re addressing the GAPs in your ministry. Email us at evangelism@namb.net. Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on iTunes.
Shareable Quotes:
“I don’t know if I love the term seeker sensitive because of how it’s been used in the past. But I do think it’s good to have a fun, welcoming, excellent environment or environments that new non-Christian students can come and attend. The gospel makes sense to them. They’re welcome. It’s fun, exciting. I’m a big fan of all that stuff.” @PaulWorcester
“If you remove one of them [seeker-sensitive and deep discipleship], in a sense, the train falls off the track. So, there’s got to be a come and see, go and tell.” @shane_pruitt78
“We need to be as teachers and communicators and worship leaders filled with the spirit ourselves and able to respond to that—but also fostering an environment where, hey, if you’re coming, if you’re checking out this event, get ready to encounter God. And that comes with teaching God’s Word in a clear, authoritative and even bold way.” @PaulWorcester
“If you’re in a crowd, and it doesn’t matter if the crowd is 12 or 1200, you’re typically going to have four types of people in that crowd. And I think as communicators, as leaders, we always have to be aware of all four. And maybe even ask ourselves, how am I addressing all four of these people?” @shane_pruitt78