USA (MNN) — Is the U.S. “post-Christian”? Recent studies like this one and this one indicate a movement in that direction. The latest report from Barna Research ranks 100 U.S. cities according to how Christianity and Scripture factor into the population’s lifestyle.
Click here to see where your city ranks.
The top ten cities identified as post-Christian have a combined population of more than 43 million people.
(Photo credit Mr.TinDC via Flickr)
“I can’t help but be grieved that there are so many people who claim that they are not Christian at all,” says Keys for Kids’ Greg Yoder.
“They don’t have any inkling to read the Bible. They probably have never been to a church. They don’t believe that the Bible is something that should be a way of life.”
Keys for Kids wants to reverse the “post-Christian” trend by reaching young people for Christ.
Reaching the Next Generation
Debate surrounds which label to place on the Next Generation, sometimes called Generation Z, and where its generational boundary lines lay. However, Pew Research Center defines the “post-Millennial” generation as anyone 21 and younger as of this year.
This demographic fits well within Keys for Kids’ focus. The ministry seeks to reach children between the ages of four and 14 years old, a bracket Yoder dubs “The 4:14 Window.”
“80% of kids in that age group are looking for spiritual truth, and they’re going to find it. But, will they find it in atheism? Agnosticism?…Or, will they find it in Christ alone, Christianity?”
He adds, “We’re emphasizing our need to reach kids at a young age so that their foundations are firmly planted… they can acknowledge who Christ is, can grow in their faith, and become defenders of their faith.”
Keys for Kids exists to “ignite a passion for Christ in kids and their families,” Yoder says. They minister to younger children through a devotional, radio programming, and mobile app. A program called Parent Minute equips parents with advice and insight.
Learn more about these resources on Keys For Kids’ website.
In the coming months, Keys for Kids will expand its reach to Generation Z.
(Graphic courtesy Keys for Kids)
“We hope to initially reach out to about 20,000 teenagers…whether they’re Christian or not,” shares Yoder. “We know that they’re looking for spiritual truth and – again — will they have the tools to be able to find Christ through the noise?”
Through a new devotional called “Unlocked”, Keys for Kids hopes to supply teens with biblical truth and encouragement. Teenagers need to “stretch their thinking muscles,” Yoder explains.
“Our new devotional will help teens understand Christ and [will] also challenge them spiritually.”
In light of reports like this one about the next generation, “Unlocked” will be an especially important resource. But Keys for Kids needs your help to get it out the door. Click here to donate.
Header photo by Hannah Nelson from Pexels.
