The Great DeChurching
I have recently been reading the book The Great Dechurching: Who's Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? By: Jim Davis, Michael Graham, With Ryan P. Burge.
I must admit that while reading the book, it was hard not to feel discouraged. This line from the book was tough to read:
I must admit that while reading the book, it was hard not to feel discouraged. This line from the book was tough to read:
We are currently experiencing the largest and fastest spiritual shift in America, with about 40 million that used to attend church regularly, are now no longer attending. This accounts for about 16% of the adult population. (The Great Dechurching)
Other significant religious shifts have occurred in America's history before, with the Civil War and the Great Awakenings. But with those events, the shift was to the net positive, not the decline we are experiencing today.
In the 1980s and 1990s, we saw the rise of the religion "Nones," those who identified with no religious affiliation. But over the last twenty-five years, the pace of people leaving the church has really accelerated, leading to this religious shift that some have called the Great Dechurching.
What has led to this shift?
In the 1980s and 1990s, we saw the rise of the religion "Nones," those who identified with no religious affiliation. But over the last twenty-five years, the pace of people leaving the church has really accelerated, leading to this religious shift that some have called the Great Dechurching.
What has led to this shift?
According to the book, here are the top five reasons why people have left the church:
5 Top Reasons People are Dechurched:
1. All their emphasis on culture war lost me over time – 14%
2. Their lack of joy, love, generosity, kindness – 14%
3. Their inability to listen – 14%
4. Their inability to engage with other viewpoints – 13%
5. Their racial attitudes and/or actions – 13%
The researchers in the book realized that with so many people dechurching, there must be different categories or profiles of people leaving the church.
Understanding the different profiles of people and being willing to listen to why the dechurched are no longer attending church is essential for pastors and leaders if we will reach the dechurched and turn the tide.
While the book contained plenty of discouraging information, it also contained many things to be hopeful about.
Understanding the different profiles of people and being willing to listen to why the dechurched are no longer attending church is essential for pastors and leaders if we will reach the dechurched and turn the tide.
While the book contained plenty of discouraging information, it also contained many things to be hopeful about.
First and foremost, Jesus is on the throne! God is in control, and the church will continue to advance through the power of the Holy Spirit!
Second, some dechurched people are 100% willing to return to church. Other categories of the dechurched are willing to return if invited by someone or if they find friends in the church.
Third, one critical aspect of getting the vast majority of the dechurched to attend church is helping people feel a sense of belonging. Many dechurched said they would start attending church again if they felt this sense of belonging.
In other words, if Christians build relationships and invite the dechurched to church, many are willing to attend worship services or other church-related events.
It makes me wonder if the church would take seriously the "one another" statements like serve one another, encourage one another, and love one another, to name just a few, would the dechurched feel a sense of belonging and return to the church?
Second, some dechurched people are 100% willing to return to church. Other categories of the dechurched are willing to return if invited by someone or if they find friends in the church.
Third, one critical aspect of getting the vast majority of the dechurched to attend church is helping people feel a sense of belonging. Many dechurched said they would start attending church again if they felt this sense of belonging.
In other words, if Christians build relationships and invite the dechurched to church, many are willing to attend worship services or other church-related events.
It makes me wonder if the church would take seriously the "one another" statements like serve one another, encourage one another, and love one another, to name just a few, would the dechurched feel a sense of belonging and return to the church?
Would they come back to the church?
Would they feel the love of Christ?
Would they feel like the belong?
There are reasons to be hopeful that God can change the narrative of what is happening in America. What is exciting is that God can and does work through His Church to spread the Gospel and bring about transformation.
Matthew 5:14-16 - “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
What an adventure the people of God can join in on if we are willing to be a part of the mission of reaching people with the love of Christ!
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