Hit the Nail
Mark Batterson hit the nail on the head with this one.
If This Is Not A Place. . .
If this is not a place where tears are understood, Then where shall I go to cry? And if this is not a place where my spirit can take wings, Then where shall I go to fly? I don't need another place for trying to impress you With just how good and virtuous I am. I don't need another place for always being on top of things; Everybody knows that it's a sham. I don't need another place for always wearing smiles, Even when it's not the way I feel. I don't need another place to mouth the same old platitudes; Everybody knows that it's not real. So if this is not a place where my questions can be asked, Then where shall I go to seek? And if this is not a place where my heart cry can be heard, Where, tell me where, shall I go to speak? So if this is not a place where tears are understood, Where shall I go, where shall I go to fly? -- Ken Medema
It is most likely because these 4 had a strong mentor in the church growing up. At least the ones I have talked with that stay close to the Lord in their young adults lives, have had at least one person from the church truly invest in them, especially in their early teen years. Also we need, myself included, to learn how to better communicate love to our young people. Many are receiving love, but it isn't connecting the way it should. This is difficult to watch as a youth pastor. I would recommend the book "The Five Love Languages of Teenagers”, by Gary Chapman. It applies to parents, youthworkers, etc. And it has helped me to see more clearly how Jesus "communicated love", and how we can learn and apply these principles. In parting, we do need to recognize why we are losing the 6 out of 10, but focus and build on how and why we are keeping, and connecting Christ with the 4 that stay close in their walk!
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