Within two years of graduation, seven out of 10 college students stop attending church; less than 30 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds says their religious beliefs are important; and 20 percent of Americans claims no religious affiliation. Across the nation, young people are leaving the faith, and churches are at a loss regarding how to stop it.
To counter this disturbing trend, apologist, author and religion and culture expert Dr. Alex McFarland (alexmcfarland.com), and national speaker and apologist Jason Jimenez have announced the “Stand Strong Tour” (standstrongtour.com), designed to assist churches in the much-needed effort to strengthen the faith of young people and their families.
“The stunning exodus of young people from the church has reached the level of a national spiritual crisis,” McFarland said. “The college years can be particularly trying for young people; their faith is being tested, and they are being challenged not simply to determine what they believe but also, in many cases, to reject the beliefs of their childhood. Without the grounding of a solid biblical worldview, coupled with the ability to rationally defend the faith, it becomes all too easy for young people to stray from the firm foundation of their faith and instead follow the flow towards spiritual skepticism, cynicism or even outright rejection of God.”
The Stand Strong Tour will help churches help their members stand strong in a culture that is often at odds with faith. Specifically, the tour will help churches and individuals become
- Emboldened in their faith
- Equipped with a biblical worldview
- Engaged in winning their sphere of influence for Christ.
The Stand Strong Tour will answer tough questions, such as
- How can I know the Bible is true?
- Where is God in the midst of pain and suffering?
- How do I deal with my doubts?
And it will address common objections, including
- There is no evidence God exists.
- The Bible is a flawed book.
- Jesus never rose from the dead.
- Miracles are impossible.
- There is no one way to God.
Tour events are open to all but are geared towards young Christians (middle school, high school, college age and beyond) who are looking for answers, parents who need strengthening and leaders who desire to be further equipped in their faith.
The inaugural Stand Strong event will take place Feb. 27-March 1, 2015, at Tennessee Valley Community Church in Paris, Tennessee, with the full tour kickoff scheduled for this Fall.
For more information, visit standstrongtour.com.
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