Between 2014 and 2024, average worship attendance in the Ohio Episcopal Area fell from 160,987 to 99,584. In 2024, 75% of churches had no young adults in faith formation, 54% had no youth, and 45% had no children. Sunday School participation dropped from 28% to 11% of worshipers during that period.

These statistics reveal how evolving social and cultural patterns in family life impact engagement with faith communities. Despite these statistics, we believe faith formation remains essential across generations, and traditional Sunday School can’t continue as the sole model for teaching the Word of God to grow disciples.

This moment is an invitation for leaders in local churches to reimagine how we nurture members, welcome new generations, and build communities of faith that reflect the hope of the Gospel.

The Connectional Ministries department of Engagement with Children, Youth, and Young Adults is your partner in this effort.

We are asking each local church to join us in prayer, reflection, and active experimentation. Listen to your neighbors. Pay attention to the voices of children, youth, and young adults within and beyond your walls. In the months ahead, we will explore a variety of approaches to faith formation and worship that foster authentic relationships, engage youth and young adults, and support families in meaningful ways.

Together, we can cultivate faith formation that brings vitality to our congregations and renewed hope to our communities. The future of our shared ministry depends on our willingness to act now—faithfully, humbly, and together.

If you would like to set up a coaching call to explore how to begin this work, email or call Rev. Ann Marie Carley, Director of Engagement with Children, Youth, and Young Adults (amcarley@wocumc.org, 380-223-9369). If you are an adult youth leader and want to connect with Associate Director of Engagement with Youth, you can contact Tim Beck (tbeck@eocumc.com, 330-499-3972 Ext. 103).