As the week drew to a close, I decided to ask my new young friend why I didn’t see her in church very often. “I want to come to church, but I’ve had a hard time finding my place since I graduated from high school,” said Megan. “Everything seems to be geared toward older, married people or children and teens.”

I’ve learned young people are especially drawn to ministry opportunities like Vacation Bible School, mission trips, and children’s ministries. They want to make a difference. But I also found that people like Megan will participate in fellowships and small-group Bible studies if they are personally invited and made to feel included. Most important, I learned that plugging into their lives is very rewarding.

Studies suggest than nearly two of every three teenagers who participate in church will disengage after high school and college. While researchers and strategists have yet to agree on the one thing that would keep more of them in church, they concur that something is amiss and the church, which is you and me, needs to do something about it.

Ask God to make you aware of young adults struggling to find their place. Intentionally include them in ministries, fellowships, small-group Bible studies, and worship services. Pray for opportunities to reach out to a searching young adult. Then step out of your comfort zone and into their world to bridge the gap.