It seems like nowadays the only people sitting in the pews are elderly people waiting to go to heaven. What happened to all the young people? How can we bring them back into the church?

i will give you a hint....its called music. get young people together who have instrumental talent and have them remake some christan songs (not the lyrics of course, but maybe the key or how it's played, etc.) also, get those creative writers together and let them try preaching to the congregation! i'm sure that those people have as much to say on God's word as the pastor does, and it will be refreshing to see their point of view.

Yeah i know what you are saying i live in florida where alot of elderly people live so there is even more of that in my church. My church used to have alot of kids but the kids that use to come were not really christian at all and did a lot of bad stuff, but now they recently moved so they don't come anymore. Now we only have two kids in our whole church but one says that he doesn't believe in god and he doesn't keep the Sabbath and the other is okay but doesn't seem to be interested in spiritual things.But hey that is just my church and back to your question yes what you are saying is true there is a lack of youth but it may kinda depend on where you live if you want to bring more youth into the church you should invite friends from school, have an outreach program in your church or have some kinds youth rally that will attract kids of various backgrounds. Yes the church is in crisis many kids are leaving the church when they grow-up and face harship later on in their life and have nobody to turn to , but we as Christians do and should let Christ use us as an instrument for his handiwork.

hmm, lots of churches seem to have that problem, thankfully I go to a church that has lots of kids my age and younger. I think one reason kids dont go to church is that many churches are trying to reach older people, and dont target youth. If churches were to have some sabbaths where the music is less hymns and some popular worship music more kids might be interested in coming. another reason is I think many kids feel they will be judged or not accepted by the church or that churches have too many rules to follow. another reason is many kids get busy with school and slowly push God out of their lives. Having events specifically for youth (like youth rallys or sabbath school parties) can attract people who will then be more likely to come to church.

Blurchemistry, since u answered my question, I will answer yours. I know, my church only has like, 5 children. Maybe children just (so sad but... ) don't want to go to church because maybe they would rather hang out with friends then worship God with their brothers and sisters in a holy place! Hope that answers your question!

Well in my opinion, youth like myself aren't as involved in the church because the leaders always target adults and make things for adults. We need something that can capture the interest of both age groups. Like in music we could have both contemporary and hymnial music presented. It's really all a matter of compromise.