What Those Who Leave the Faith Can Teach Us

adapted from - (PTP Branson 2025 – Kyle Butt)

Silence—not doubt—is the greatest barrier to keeping faith.

Creating open, emotionally safe environments where young people can express doubts is crucial for faith retention.

1. The Reality of Departure

Statistics: 60–70% of youth leave Christian denominations; 40–50% leave in the Lord’s Church .

Atheism/Agnosticism: 7% of US adults don’t believe in God (22–25 million people) .

Difficult to Leave: The greatest loss reported was church community and worship (esp. singing, fellowship) .

“There’s no community like the church community in atheism or agnosticism.” – Speaker

2. The Reasons for Departure

Perceived unfairness of God (suffering, eternal hell).

Loss of trust in Scripture’s inerrancy.

Perceived ineffectiveness of prayer.

Conflict between creation and evolution .

“The biggest hindrance to your kid’s faith isn’t doubt—it’s silence.” – Research by Kara Powell

3. The Path Toward Retention

Doubt itself is not the problem—unexpressed doubt is.

Open environments strengthen faith (listening, not dismissing).

Foundational questions must be addressed (God’s existence, Bible’s inspiration, the problem of evil/hell).

Adults must model patience, empathy, and truth .

“Let’s deal with this question until both of us are satisfied with the answer.” – Speaker

Scriptural Anchors

Jude 22 – “Have mercy on those who doubt.”

1 Peter 3:15 – “Be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you.”

Proverbs 18:13 – “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.”

Applications for Us

Speak up – Don’t let silence steal faith.

Listen well – Respect the hard questions of our youth.

Equip wisely – Teach answers to foundational doubts.

Build bonds – Strengthen intergenerational community.

Model faith – Show that belief can be thoughtful and strong.

Reflection Questions for the Week

What doubts have I personally wrestled with, and how did I handle them?

How can I make my home and congregation a safe place for questions?

Who is one young person I can intentionally encourage in faith this week?