An Oct. 8, 2007, study conducted by the Barna Group suggests that teenagers are some of the most religiously active people around. The study suggested nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of teenagers say they pray in a typical week, which Barna identified as the most common spiritual activity among teens. Nearly half (48 percent) of the teens said they go to church, which was the second most common response. The other common responses were attending Sunday School, attending youth group, participating in a small group and reading the Bible, all of which were in the 30-35 percent range.

While these numbers may appear to be solid on the surface, Barna's research suggests these figures are on the downturn. The survey also concluded that each of these figures are down from the previous decade by at least 5 percent, with prayer leading the way down 9 percent. This begs the question: "What is chasing away the young people from churches?"

"The major reason I don't end up at church very often is because most of the mainstream church services I go to portray God in a different light. (God's portrayed) as a father or the creator or this weird tri-being except not because it's a monotheistic religion. My logical mind rejects these ideas as I can find logical flaws in all of time. I need something more abstract and open to my own interpretation, something non-traditional. (That's) something hard to find at church."—Leah Uhl, 23. (Spanish Teacher, Eastern Minneapolis-St. Paul suburbs)

"I would say that once you've been in and out, it's harder to get back in than to get a person who's never been a (participant) to go. I saw a lot of things that disappointed me and drove me away from wanting to go to church, a lot of hypocrisy and a lot of people chasing a quick dime."—Javier Gonzalez, 24. (Isabella, Puerto Rico)

"Some people, even after going through the motions of indoctrination in a church from childhood, still reject the religion after seeing negative aspects (such as) hypocrisy and a condescending attitude from some of the parishioners. Some believe in God but choose to avoid those people and engage in private prayer."—Kerry Koestner, 24. (Pharmacy Technician, Gainesville, Geogia)

"How can youth leaders and church in general help bring back the kids? I'd say stop the fear aspect. The pressure, the all-around energy of ‘If I don't do this right, I may end up burning in hell' and ‘If I decide to stop attending church or reading the Bible, I'm not doing what God told me to do; therefore, I'm a sinner." Kids stay away from places like that so they don't have to be reminded what a failure they are (which they are not). It's fearmongering at its (worst)."—Candace Haugen, 24. (Homemaker, Roseau, Minnesota)

These are the statements of four people who each had different experiences with the church when they were young. Two of them considered themselves regular church-goers as youths (Juhl and Gonzalez), and the other two never regularly attended church services. While these people all had different paths that led them to where they are today, they've all reached a common place. None of these young people regularly attend church.