I. Pew Research Center revealed that “40% of the millennials (between 23 and 38) now say they are religiously unaffiliated”.
A. A study put out by the American Enterprise Institute reveals at least three reasons why:
(1) They didn’t have strong religious ties growing up,
(2) Their spouses are more likely to be nonreligious, and
(3) They feel religious institutions are not relevant for shaping the morality and religion (or nonreligion) of their children.
B. Parental example, dating choices, biblical literacy, and faith are the major drivers in this discussion.
C. A majority felt that religious people are less tolerant of others, less informed, or even less intelligent than their secular counterparts, and less necessary for shaping their family’s moral viewpoints.

II. Reading this study, it seems that leaving church is a deliberate lifestyle choice, by people who at least sometimes are encouraged out the door by poor examples of faith.

III. I found it important to share these findings for these reasons:
A. It is a matter of crisis.
1. People abandoning God’s Word and will is foreboding (Judges 2:10ff; 2 Timothy 3:1ff; 4:3-4; 2 Peter 3:3).
knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, (2 Peter 3:3)
2. It is happening, and it must matter to all of us.
3. It does matter to God.
B. It is a matter of correction.
1. The home can change course, if it is on the broad way.
2. Individual Christians can improve their ethics and morality in public (Ephesians 4:25).
Therefore, putting away lying, "LET EACH ONE OF YOU SPEAK TRUTH WITH HIS NEIGHBOR," for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25)

3. Soul-conscious Christians can make the most of our opportunities to share Jesus in Christlike fashion (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. (2 Tim 2:26)
4. We must change what we can change.
C. It is a matter of consequence.
1. A culture does not get where ours currently is as the result of sincere devotion to Christ and His Word.
2. Hosea 4:6 is incredibly relevant.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. (Hosea 4:6)
3. The law of sowing and reaping is immutable, for good and bad (Galatians 6:7-8).
4. Whatever we exalt as guide is leading us somewhere.
D. It is a matter of courage.
1. The only way I can see for this to change is for you and me to not just believe something or hold a conviction.
2. The early Christians didn’t confine their faith to the holy huddles of the assemblies.
3. They stood up for Jesus every day and every way.
a. Talk to them and have an honest conversation about how to raise the effectiveness in stopping and reversing this exodus.
b. This is not about preserving a comfortable lifestyle, which is threatened by sin (Proverbs 14:34).
Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34)
c. This is about preserving souls, which will face Jesus someday (Matthew 25:31).
"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. (Matthew 25:31)