RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

What is the trajectory of Christianity in America?  Recent projections give us a glimpse into where we could be headed.

Currently, the fastest growing religions in North America are Muslims and "other religions."  The share of the population that belongs to other religions is projected to double - rising from .06% to 1.5%.  Though it will still be a small percentage of the total population, it is a significant increase.  By the 21st century, the United States is likely to have more Muslims (2.1%) than people who identify with the Jewish faith (1.4%).   

Christianity is projected to decline from 78% of the population in 2010 to 66% in 2050.  During this same time frame, the percentage of people who aren't associated with any religion is expected to rise from 16% to 26%. 

Here's a look at the percentages in a graph format.

While these are only predictions, they should be given serious consideration.  The church must be committed more than ever to reaching the next generation.  We must reach the Millennials, who are now becoming parents.  We must reach Gen Z who are now children.  We must reach the generation that will follow Gen Z, who are yet to be named.

Psalm 78 talks about this.  It says...

"He commanded our ancestors
    to teach them to their children, (Millennials)
⁶ so the next generation might know them —
    even the children not yet born (Gen Z) —
    and they in turn will teach their own children.(children of Gen Z)
⁷ So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
    not forgetting His glorious miracles
    and obeying His commands."

The church must be committed to sharing the Gospel more than ever.  I believe the Gospel still has the power to change people's lives.  I believe the Gospel still works, if we will be busy sharing it.  You can't spell Gospel without Go.  Matthew 28:19 makes it clear for us. 

"Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to everyone ."

The church must be committed to teaching our children why we believe what we believe.  In a recent article, I talked about the fact that 78% of "nones" (people not associated with any religion) grew up in church, but have walked away from their faith.  The prediction that the number of nones will rise from 16% to 26% should deeply concern us.  Unless we help children get grounded in their faith, many of them will be part of the nones in a few years.  

Will you join me in praying for those who don't yet know Jesus?  Will you join me in sharing the Gospel and reaching people one at a time?  Will you join me in helping the next generation become grounded in the faith?  

I believe if the church will do this, we can see the number of Christians in our country increase rather than decrease between now and 2050.