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Why Do Young People Choose to Stay in the Church amidst the Exodus?

Why Do Young People Choose to Stay in the Church amidst the Exodus?

LAM Chi Yeung

This study examines the phenomenon of youth leaving Hong Kong Chinese churches in the post-pandemic era. Rather than investigating the reasons behind their departure, this research explores why some young people choose to stay. Employing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study conducted semi-structured interviews with seven young believers aged 19 to 25, all with over five years of church involvement in various local Chinese churches. Through qualitative analysis of 251 minutes of recorded interviews, six high-level themes emerged: (1) group belonging and support, (2) spiritual life and value construction, (3) service involvement and gift utilization, (4) pastoral relationships and spiritual role models, (5) personal growth opportunities, and (6) intimate relationship with God. Drawing on these findings, the author offers practical recommendations for church leaders, aligned with four Christian education approaches: faith teaching, faith community, spiritual development, and social transformation. This research aims to offer insights for pastors and church leaders to develop ministry strategic planning that addresses youth retention, and helps churches become more supportive of nurturing youth engagement.

wordpress_publish December 11, 2025 No Comments

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Message from the Editor of Issue 48

Editor's Note: Wu Guojie Since the outbreak of the new coronavirus, the number of people infected worldwide has exceeded 250 million, and the number of deaths has exceeded 5 million. This number does not include poor third-world countries with weak testing capabilities and inability to determine the cause of death. Due to the epidemic, the lives, economy, and travel of people around the world have been affected to varying degrees; for example, people have to wear masks when going out, maintain social distance, the number of gatherings is limited, quarantine is required when entering the country, travel has been greatly reduced, related industries have laid off employees, and unemployment has Rates thus increase and so on. In this environment, church gatherings have also been affected to a considerable extent. During the period when the epidemic was severe and gatherings were restricted, physical church gatherings were suspended, and online live broadcasts and video conversations became necessary alternative modes; even if the epidemic eased and physical gatherings reopened, online Synchronization has also become the new normal. In the face of this disaster, which is called the "pandemic of the century," what resources does the Christian faith have that can help the church respond and turn the crisis into an opportunity? This issue of "Sandow Journal" takes "Epidemics and Disasters" as the theme, and brings together different scholars to discuss it from the perspectives of the two Testaments, doctrinal theology, and practical theology, hoping to enlighten modern Christians on how to deal with the challenges of this era. ...