The Slow Fade: Why You Matter in the Story of Twentysomethings

A discussion of the most overlooked and underdeveloped facet of the modern church—how to keep college-aged people engaged in faith.

Many churches and families have programmed a youth ministry finish line at twelfth grade. They walk their seniors out the door, breathe a sigh of relief, and let them disappear for a few years. There is an assumption they’ll return to church later, as adults with young families.
Many never come back. They become less and less involved in church and faith and, eventually, absent altogether—they slowly fade away. Facing critical decisions that affect the rest of their lives, college-aged people need a faith community more than ever.
A senior pastor, a college pastor, and a twenty-something—rethink one-on-one mentorship as the way to end the slow fade. They offer insights and suggestions that will help anyone get started fighting the fade.
 

Reggie Joiner is the founder and CEO of the reThink Group. He is the author of Think Orange, The Orange Leader Handbook, and coauthor of 7 Practices of Effecitve Ministry.

Chuck Bomar served as studen pastor at Cornerstone in Simi Vialley, California. Founder of CollegeLeader.org and author of College Ministry 101, he is senior pastor of Colossae in Portland, Oregon.

Abbie Smith is the author of Can You Keep Your Faith in College. She is a graduate of Talbot Seminary with a degree in spiritual formation and soul care.