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Why Do People Leave the Church?

This event is coming to Woodstock, and I would like to invite everyone to attend with me. Here is your chance to experience an Apologetics conference that will (I believe) be encouraging to your faith and confidence in what is truth. Happening, next weekend, March 7 and 8.

https://www.faithandreasonapologetics.com/mary-jo-sharp/

In over 30 years of ministry, there is one aspect of church life that young people have shared with me that has caused them to leave a church. It has also been a primary purpose for them, leaving the Christian faith in general. And here it is, The unhealthy, emotional, and spiritual immaturity of life-long church attenders and believers. These have been people whom they wanted to trust and look up to, but who have lived with an offense, trivial criticalness, judgmental attitudes, hypocrisy, inability to relate to current culture, church hurt, etc. These have been some of the most significant factors influencing young people to walk away from the church.

In our current culture, which challenges our Christian faith, having much to deal with inside the church is a tragedy. I am committed to growing in my personal emotional and spiritual health as well as challenging our River Oaks Church family to do the same.

While I have not heard Mary Jo Sharp present in person, I have read her book, "Why I Still Believe." The book shares her story as a former atheist's reckoning with her own experience of the bad reputation Christians give to a good God

Mary Jo will be the featured speaker at a conference next weekend in Woodstock. Lynda and I will be attending and we encourage you and your teens, and young adults to attend with us if at all possible with your work schedules.

Please watch this short introduction: 


I believe the testing of our faith in everyday life is a significant influencer and impactor of our daily reality. Exploring our life histories and events within our own church experience is critical! Mary Jo is on staff with Summit Ministries and addresses this critical issue.

With everything within me, I desire to live a life and participate with a church that experiences and makes an eternal difference in our lifetimes!! I don't want us to miss our purpose for this time! I believe Mary Jo has an important message to share!

We would love it if you can carpool and attend with us.

Peace,
Pastor Kevin Strite

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