"In a reversal of long-standing marital patterns, college-educated young adults are more likely than young adults lacking a bachelor’s degree to have married by the age of 30" (The Reversal of the College Marriage Gap By Richard Fry).Pew Report - Reversal of the College Marriage Gap
This corresponds to the sweeping changes in American society over the last 50 years (since 1960), all of which has direct implications for the church in America today.
There is a direct correlation of all of these factors: most non-college educated people live in urban areas (in my urban parish area, only 6% of adults have college degrees), most of these young adults are not married, many of them are having children out of wedlock, and most of them do not attend church or get involved in any civic organizations of any kind.
In contrast, most college-educated people live in suburban areas, more of these people are in stable marriages with children, and more of these people attend church and are involved in civic groups.
One can see the trends very clearly if you follow what has happened among the Christian churches in the USA. Until 50 years ago, all of the largest congregations were in urban areas. Today, all of the largest ones are in suburban areas. This helps to explain why the congregations I serve have steadily lost members over the last few decades. It is nearly impossible to fight against such sweeping changes in society.
How do we create a "need to attend church" among people who generally do not feel this need whatsoever? The truth is that we need a revival. Only the Holy Spirit can create this need. We need a revival of interest in the things of God, the things that have eternal meaning and value. At least we can pray for such a movement.
