I used to go to a church where the college pastor discouraged college students in their studies because college "corrupts." I was encouraged to structure my school schedule around church meetings, which was a huge headache since I worked 2 jobs at the time. When I felt guilty about scheduling a class during church services, I skipped classes to attend Bible studies instead. The pastor loved it, and I was deemed "spiritually mature." Meanwhile my grades slipped and I was miserable. I hope other college pastors encourage students in their work.

Man...I am two years to old to submit. Our church is without a ministry like that. I have had a burden and desire for one. But I don't feel it is my gift or what God is calling me to currently lead in our church as I am in charge of our marketing/media development. This area of the ministry seems to get the most neglect unfortunately.

I think this is SUCH a FANTASTIC idea! There is an obvious divide in the church, with a big gap in the 18-35 year old demographic (at least, where I live). Pastors and churches have too long blamed this gap on the young people themselves, instead of looking INWARD to find out WHAT THE CHURCH IS DOING WRONG!

The problem is, many churches are oblivious to WHAT they are doing wrong, or not doing at all, that creates the gap. Whatever the result of this is, I think it would do a great benefit to everyone if we would pay attention to the answers they get, and start implementing strategies to address the young crowd's concerns.

I looked at the essay contest. I got that they don't really want to know why my age doesn't go to church. My church has a messed up college group and a church that gets frustrated over the fact that so many of us work and/or go to college. They get annoyed that we don't volunteer to do church things anymore. The people that lead our college group are baby Christians ate best. They never encourage accountability or living for Christ. And that is just the beginning.