The Problem  

Reaching, Training, and Retaining Young Christians

Recent data reveals a challenging yet hopeful landscape for engaging today’s youth and young adults. Here’s a concise summary of key trends and how our programs address them to reduce the number of young Christians leaving the church due to unanswered questions. At ReThink315, we’re motivated by 1 Peter 3:15 to equip pastors, parents, and educators to help teens and young adults confidently share the gospel and stay rooted in historic Christianity. 

Key Trends:

• Decline in Biblical Worldview: Only 1% of teens and young adults hold a biblical worldview, down from 12% in the 1990s (AWVI 2025). Syncretism, blending biblical and non-biblical beliefs, dominates with 92% of Americans and 64% of evangelicals embracing this mix, creating a critical need for clear biblical teaching.

• Spiritual Openness: Despite the decline, 77% of U.S. teens are motivated to learn about Jesus, far surpassing global peers (The Open Generation Study, 2023). Even non-Christian or unsure teens show curiosity, offering a window for engagement. Commitment to Jesus has risen, with 70% of Millennials and a growing number of Gen Z men affirming its importance (State of the Church 2025).

• Church Disconnect: Nearly half (48%) of young adults with Christian ties feel the Church fails to address their doubts, fueling a “spiritual but not religious” mindset (Connected Generation Study, 2020). Only 27% of those born since the 1980s are congregation members, compared to 57% of older adults.

ReThink315’s Answer: 

• E-Books: Our apologetics E-Books and books study guides provide accessible, biblically grounded resources for parents, pastors, and educators. These resources offer practical tools to address tough questions like “Why does God allow suffering?” in ways that resonate with youth.

• Student Surveys: We assess teens’ beliefs to meet the unique needs of each group we serve. Our surveys help identify stumbling blocks and deep doubts, enabling churches and schools to provide targeted answers that keep young people engaged.

• Summer Camps and Student Retreats: Our camps and retreats create safe, relational spaces where teens can explore their faith, ask hard questions, and connect with like-minded peers and mentors. These immersive experiences tap into the 77% of teens curious about Jesus, fostering authentic discussions with gentleness and respect.

• Conferences and Church/School Apologetics Events: Our conferences and events equip pastors, parents, educators, and students with apologetics training to combat the 48% who feel unheard by the Church. Through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions, we empower participants to share the gospel confidently and address doubts with clarity.

Our Call to Action

These trends challenge us to ReThink how we reach, train, and retain young people. Through E-Books, Student Surveys, Summer Camps, Conferences, Student Retreats, and Church and School Apologetics Events, ReThink315 fosters better conversations, delivers biblically grounded answers, and engages youth with gentleness and respect. United in essentials, with liberty in nonessentials, and charity in all things, we’re helping teens and young adults build a resilient faith and Christian identity, anchored to the gospel.

Notable AWI (2020) Findings: 

The American Worldview Inventory 2020 Survey conducted by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, found that fewer and fewer Americans look to Biblical Christianity as an authoritative source for moral, spiritual, and/or salvific revelation. 

Notable findings from the 2020 Survey include: 

Americans See Many Sources of Truth and Reject Moral Absolutes

God is Absent from Most People’s Views of Purpose and Success

America’s Traditional Moral Pillars are Fading Away

Americans No Longer See Human Life as Sacred

Americans Continue to Redefine and Reject God

Americans Believe Salvation Can Be Earned

Americans Distrust the Bible 

Additionally, in 2020 Barna partnered with World Vision to compile The Connected Generation Study based on a survey of 15,369 young adults between the ages of 18 and 35. Nearly half of those surveyed, who have a connection to Christianity, said they feel the Church cannot adequately answer their questions and doubts.  

Trends like these motivate our team to help churches, schools, and other Christian groups to ReThink our approach to reaching, training, and retaining young people. 

How You Can Help

1. Pray for Us: Prayer is essential to our health and fruitfulness. Email us at info@rethink315.com to join our prayer chain.

2. Join our Support Team: As a donor-supported ministry, we rely on investors like you to fund our unique programs. Also, we’re always looking for kingdom minded corporate sponsors to offset our event costs. 

3. Subscribe to our E-newsletter: In addition to event updates, you’ll receive our WYSR (What You Should Read) emails highlighting good answers to common questions about Christianity. 
   4. Make Introductions: Connect us with your pastor, youth pastor, friends, or family. We offer services and programs for anyone passionate about Christian apologetics, evangelism, and discipleship.