The Local Church and Public Education: Student Spiritual Care Pre- and Post-Graduation

Families continue to provide the foundation for the spiritual development of young people. Today adult Adventists in North America are part of the church primarily because of their Adventist roots and relationships. About half grew up as Adventists, and almost an additional third joined because of personal relationships. Both of these often get cast aside when young adults move away to college or graduate school. It’s time to be proactive to identify local churches can will provide a welcoming home atmosphere for young adults in transition. A new system called “Churches of Refuge” (COR) identifies such churches and provides certification, training and networking to foster the spiritual health of young adults. Without healthy, student sensitive Adventist congregations, North American church growth for the Adventist Church will continue to decline.