Many of us have been born and raised in a church. That's great! However, people who grow up in a church are also the most likely to leave.

It's understandable. One reason young people are leaving is that the times are moving faster than the church is willing. Most churches refuse to adapt to our modern times and this anti-modernization mentality is very harmful to young people. Older churches refuse to change their old, outdated worship and services. I know firsthand the effect outdated services have on young people. They are just straight up BORING and you're counting down the minutes until you can hightail it out of there.

Also, most churches STILL have cliques all throughout their church. It's hard to get your teenager to want to come to church because of the fact that no one came up and talked to them or even made an effort to be nice.

Oh, and the GOSSIP. I've heard all kinds of gossip (which the Bible tells us NOT ago do, FYI) from ADULTS against other adults. Honestly, I'm sick of people saying nasty things about each other when you don't even KNOW them. Your kids are in the same Sunday School class, but the only time y'all MIGHT interact with each other is on the off chance y'all pick your kids up at the same time. When young people hear the things other people say about others, it gives off the wrong vibe because they're afraid others will talk about them.

Lastly, the JUDGMENT. Oh my goodness, STOP JUDGING. We're in CHURCH. I don't want to hear anything that had to do with my piercings or tattoo making me a “bad girl." What even is that logic? I always find it funny that the most judgmental are the ones that have a) cheated on their spouse, fiancé/fiancée, or boyfriend/girlfriend, b) gotten divorced, c) had a kid before they got married, or d) did everything they tell you NOT to do now. Personally, I don't care about b or c, but if you judge people for doing the exact same stuff you did, that's when the two become a problem.

We're all sinners, yet the church is where you'll find the most judgmental.

Now, there ARE exceptions. There is one church near and dear to my heart that when you walk in, you immediately feel God's presence: Church of the Highlands. At Highlands, you never have to worry about the judgmental stares or gossiping. Everyone at Highlands has a story, and it's not our place to judge others. We leave that to God because he's the ONLY one with that power. They even have a team of greeters that make you feel welcome, and there are always people willing to make sure that you have an amazing time. Highlands also has modern services and worship - that's a huge plus.

Young people are leaving the church in droves, and until there are more churches like the Church of the Highlands, I'm afraid that the number will keep increasing.