Fifty percent of Christian teens fail to connect with a faith community after high school, research suggests. For six years, Dr. Cheryl Crawford, assistant professor of youth ministry at Azusa Pacific University, has documented the lives of more than a dozen Christian teenagers as they transitioned from church youth groups to public colleges or universities. She will present her findings in a day-long symposium at Denver Seminary, Friday, March 18. Read more here.

The symposium, “Will Your Kids Have Faith After High School? Faith, Choices and Life,” is being sponsored by the Center for Student Leadership and the Office of Church Relations at Gordon College in Wenham, Mass., and will take place at the Chapel of Denver Seminary, 6399 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, Colorado. Doors open at 8:15 a.m. for registration, check-in and a light continental breakfast. The event runs from at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a complimentary lunch at noon. Registration is encouraged.

“As parents and youth pastors, we do all we can to encourage our kids spiritually,” said Bob Whittet, associate professor of Christian Ministries at Gordon College. “Studies have shown that in spite of our best efforts, teens often make decisions with lifelong ramifications that are challenging to their faith.”

The primary purpose of Crawford’s study on the spiritual lives of teenagers, in conjunction with the Fuller Youth Institute research project, was to find solutions for how parents, youth ministers and professors of youth ministry can best help teens within the church maintain their spiritual integrity.

“People often say we’re losing kids from the church,” said Mark Cannister, professor and co-chair of the Christian Ministries Department at Gordon College. “It’s always been difficult for our youth to get connected, so when they graduate from high school the challenge is even greater.”

This is the third year Gordon College and Denver Seminary have teamed up to provide vital training and resources as a gift to Colorado youth workers and parents. Crawford’s findings and workshop continue that tradition of enhancing the work of those who influence today’s young people.