Many churches and families have programmed a youth ministry finish line at twelfth grade. They walk their seniors out the door, breathe a sigh of relief, and let them disappear for a few years. There is an assumption they’ll return to church later, as adults with young families. Many never come back. They become less and less involved in church and faith and, eventually, absent altogether—they slowly fade away. Facing critical decisions that affect the rest of their lives, college-aged people need a faith community more than ever.A senior pastor, a college pastor, and a twenty-something rethink one-on-one mentorship as the way to end the slow fade. They offer insights and suggestions that will help anyone get started fighting the fade.
