This year's focus is reaching young adults. Too often people age 18 to 28 assume that because they grew up in church or walked down an aisle once that they're a Christian, he said. But Christianity includes a closer walk with God that he compared to developing intimate friendships. Too many churches hand a Bible to new believers, point to a pew and leave them alone, he said. But new Christians need instruction in studying the Bible, developing a daily quiet time and praying.
People have to understand the basics, such as what is sin and why is it such a big deal.
Spradley added that he is not implying that most young adults lack spiritual training. He said he sees a generation of young Christians who are enthusiastic about God and want to serve. Today's younger people will change the world as they mature, he predicted. Even mature Christians need encouragement to go deeper in their walk with God, he said. Experiencing God is more than growing up in Sunday School and knowing all the right answers, he added.