De-Churched

 

According to the projections based on a recent study completed by the Barna Research Group and presented in the book Church-less, in 2014 53% of American adults were "de-churched." 

 

What does "de-churched" mean?

A small percentage of the "de-churched" are those who attend church on Christmas and Easter only -- often referred to as CEO's.  The majority of "de-churched" individuals are those who were once significantly involved in a church but now do not identify with any particular established church.  Lots of reasons are stated as to "why" they have become "de-churched."  The one that really grabbed my attention was that they no longer sensed the presence of God; that church had become more about the "smoke and lights and the awesome band" than facilitating a connection with the "holiness of God." 

I am the first to admit that the "entertainment factor" became very important to me in my tenure at The River! 

Before you "churched" people get huffy and start making judgments about those "de-churched" individuals, please consider the facts that they still make decisions based on biblical values, still serve in their communities, still gather in small groups for Bible study, donate financially to non-profits in their communities, and consider spiritual growth as a priority in their lives! 

The question, then, for the American church is how to reach out to the "de-churched" and invite them back.  The "de-churched" individuals had a variety of responses to the question: "what would make you consider returning to an established church?"

Here's a list of the top 4 responses given: A church that: 1.  Is intentionally and intently serving the poor and disadvantaged and were addressing the issue of poverty in their community (notice the "their community" and not "somewhere-over-there"). 2.  Is serving the youth, families, and elderly.  3.  Is cultivating biblical values.  And, 4.  A church that is assisting those in recovery. 

So, if you are "churched," the question I have for you is: "What is your church doing to invite the "de-churched" back to church?" (And, fyi, only 8% of American adults are truly "unchurched.")

And, if you are among the "de-churched," would you like to have coffee with a fellow "de-churched" individual?  Message me on Facebook.