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Research shows that church attendance by millennials is declining. Yet attendance by African American millennials is still holding. The reasons appear to be: 1) their upbringing is mostly different from that of the majority; 2) low incomes push many toward faith and the church; 3) the outside world is not so friendly; and 4) many parents insist on youth attending church much longer. Still, keeping even African American youth satisfied and engaged is a work in progress. Not surprisingly, the writer of the book of Jude has some wise advice, not only for African Americans, but for all who profess faith in Jesus Christ. To combat falling away from the faith, Jude urges God’s people to build up each other in the faith, to pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, to show mercy toward those who waver in their faith—don’t push them out; and to snatch those on the verge of falling away. He encourages God’s people with this vital truth: “Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.” Winning and keeping young adults in fellowship with God and with each other should be a goal of every church.
