WILLS POINT, TX — One of the largest mission organizations in the world is challenging the next generation of young Christians to “fight back against the cultural attack on your faith” — as recent research shows an alarming drop in the number of under-30s embracing Christianity.
From October 8-10, Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is hosting the Kyrie Experience, a retreat at its Wills Point, Texas, campus — 50 miles east of Dallas — that aims to help young people “reset” their lives in a “chaotic culture” and discover their God-given purpose in the world. A radical call to step away from the busyness of life and seek God, the event draws its name from the millennia-old prayer, “Kyrie Eleison” – Lord have mercy.
“Staggering numbers of young Americans who’ve grown up in a Christian environment are leaving the faith and turning their backs on the church,” said Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founder, K.P. Yohannan, author of Revolution in World Missions with more than four million copies in print.
“They’re under the constant bombardment of distractions that keep them from God’s presence and His will for their lives.”
Religion ‘Not Important’
According to a Gallup poll published earlier this year, for the first time less than 50% of Americans view religion as important to them, and only 36% of Millennials — those born between 1981 and 1996 — belong to a church.
A report by Barna research last October revealed only 10% of 18-29 year olds — Millennials and Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2015 — who grew up in a Christian home or going to church were considered true Christian adherents, or what Barna defined as “resilient disciples.”
Hand On The Exit
Nearly four in every 10 of the 18-29 year olds who grew up going to church — a group Barna label “habitual churchgoers” — have “their hand on the door” and were “ready to leave the church if they do not find the connection and support they need during the pandemic.”
“Right now, ministry leaders have the opportunity to help Millennials and Gen Z realize how the silence and solitude of the current moment can be leveraged to deepen their spirituality and encourage resilient faith,” Barna’s report said.
Seeking ‘Real Experience of God’
“It’s clear that in our chaotic culture young Americans want a real experience of God,” said Yohannan. “Gospel for Asia (GFA World) has always been about equipping young people to impact their world with Christ’s love, even as they have experienced it for themselves.”
“More than ever, young people need to be effectively equipped to deal with the seductive and spiritually debilitating forces of our consumer culture.”
For details about the Kyrie Experience, visit www.gfa.org/press/FaithReset, and for young people interested in participating in this youth retreat weekend, email us at [email protected].
PHOTO CUTLINE: FAITH RESET: As young Americans abandon their faith in alarming numbers, Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is hosting the Kyrie Experience in October, a weekend retreat at its Wills Point, Texas, campus — 50 miles east of Dallas — that aims to help young people “reset” their lives and discover their God-given purpose in the world. Go to www.gfa.org/press/FaithReset.
Media interested in interviews with Gospel For Asia should contact Gregg Wooding at InChrist Communications @ 972-567-7660 or [email protected]
About GFA World
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a leading faith-based global mission agency, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across the world, especially in Asia and Africa, and sharing the love of God. In GFA World’s latest yearly report, this included thousands of community development projects that benefit downtrodden families and their children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and teaching providing hope and encouragement available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. GFA World has launched programs in Africa, starting with compassion projects in Rwanda. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news/.
