Its not over at High School graduation......Look out college is next week!

For the past few decades the church as long sent High School students off into the dark (to find themselves and find out what GOD means in their life) with no direction other than a few graduation books that they will never read! If we as leaders, staff, and parents don't step in then church will continue to shirk. The guys and gals at the rethink group in GA and at orangeleaders.com think its time we moved the finish line from high school graduation to a bit further down the line. See its a scientific fact that the adolescent brain is not completely formed until around age 25 but its hard to argue that most of us made some of the biggest decisions in life right after high school. What college do I attend? Do I go to college? What type of career am I interested in? Girls? Guys? Parties? Homework? Living without parents! Making new friends. Major? Minor? Mac or PC? OK that last one was for me! As you can see and most of remember these are hard decisions to make and wouldn't it be nice to have someone to help us, pray for us, pray with us, mentor, guide, or just to know that someone has your back no matter what happens?

Well there are a few out there looking to break the mold and I am one of them. I recently started reading a new book by the folks at the rethink group, The Slow Fade.



The authors of the book The Slow Fade believe (as well as I do), that many churches today have programed a youth ministry that finishes at twelfth grade. Now at our church we have a "college ministry" and it is doing a great job prepping and connecting with those who are going or in college. I believe, as do the authors, that we could do a bit more to insure that 80% of those who go to church in high school don't turn into the 6% that continue in church through college and their 20's. One way suggest that this can be done through intergenerational relationships as a way to stop the slow fade away from church.

I am encouraging everyone to reach out to one high school graduate and follow them through the first few years of college (beyond would be great), and just simply be there. Help them connect with the campus ministry. Write them notes on facebook, email or text. Visit their school if within driving distance. Get your church to send semester final care packages. Just do something to help encourage and guild them through this fantastic time in their life! Most of all make it fun for you and them.
Peace
Chris