(Considering most of my readers are teens/middle-high schoolers, hopefully this will be relatable, but even if you’re not in that age range, I’d love for you to read this post and share your thoughts in the comments below! 🙃)

Did you know that sixteen is the average age for teenagers leaving the Christian faith?

Why is this so young? It makes me curious: what are the stats for teens who are leaving for college?

According to The Christian Standard, fifty to eighty percent of Christians walk away from their faith during their college years.

Fifty to eighty percent.

That is big.

And it raises a big question:

What will you do with your faith when you get to college, or at least leave your parents’ house? Will you pack up and bring your faith with you or leave it at home with your parents?

Many Christians in college decide that faith isn’t as important enough while they are drowning in classes, a new place, new relationships, student loan debt, and loneliness.

But did you know that according to The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, young adults who are connected to a faith community (Christianity specifically) are healthier mentally, especially in college?

Having something familiar to cling to when you are away from the familiarity of childhood is so important!

Now, as I was watching Gather25 this year, I heard a woman talk about the impact of faith on college students. I’ve enclosed the video below-/it’s only five minutes long—and it was really inspiring and beautiful to hear! We are living in a world that is being radically changed by Jesus. :)

So as you lead up to your college years (or moving out of the house), keep in mind what you are going to do with your faith. I know that it’s definitely something I am thinking about in my future!

Thanks for reading, happy Sunday!
~Willow 💛