If you are a youth worker you may have invested 4-6 years in the life of your graduates. If you are a parent you have invested 18 years into the life of your graduates.  Why would you send them off to their next big adventure without investing in making sure there is a ministry contact waiting for them?  Studies have shown that 80-88% of graduating students leave the church and never get connected again!  We have to make sure our students get connected with a ministry in their new location weather they are in the workforce or hitting the books.  How?

First, talk to them about the importance of getting connected with a church and a campus ministry if they are going to school.

Secondly, follow-up with them once each of the first three months after they leave.

Thirdly, increase their chances of finding a church and/or ministry by letting College Walk know they are coming.  College Walk, a ministry partnership between the EFCA and Campus Crusade for Christ, will contact your student with approved ministry opportunities and let those approved ministries know your student is coming!

Fourth,  get a bunch of people in your congregation to pray for them regularly and perhaps send them regular care packages.

Fifth, meet with them when they are home visiting.

Any thing you can do to help graduating students maintain a connection to a faith community will bring eternal dividends!!