Why churches suck at reaching students

It is no secret that one of the greatest challenges in campus ministry is getting students to connect with local churches. It is a never-ending battle that has become increasingly difficult as they witness the relentless infighting, back-biting, political wrangling and moral game-playing that takes place in every denomination and most churches. And although a big part of that is ignorance and immaturity on their part, part of it is also ignorance and immaturity on the part of the church. The sooner we own up to that fact, the sooner students are likely to embrace the church. Right or wrong, students sense that churches are in competition with one another, and too busy taking care of their own, in between doctrinal shouting matches, to reach out to the world. And since every student, given the opportunity, wants to change the world, we have a problem with connection. Frankly, one of the most attractive qualities in a local congregation is community outreach. Apart from that, don't expect to see many students on Sunday morning.