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 Church attendance PLUNGING in U.S. - no emergency meetings to find out why |
doyle |
Each day, about 100 ambulances rush people to our hospital where I serve as a Chaplain. Another 250 - 300 people come through the Emergency Room Waiting Room. Average wait to see a doctor, unless having chest pains, is six hours.
Every last one of them is traumatized in some way or another. Just feeling so bad that they have to pick up the phone and call 911, is traumatic. Coming by car, even when someone else is driving, is traumatic too. When someone rushes in carrying a small child, one only has to see the worried look on their face, to know the fear they are having for their child.
I am in nearly continuous discussion with people from all denominations, about faith. Even those who list a church affiliation on their entrance papers, when asked about it, most say, "Well, we used to go to church but we haven't been in a long time."
Atlanta surveys by Perimeter Church in Alpharetta, GA, one of the largest churches in the Atlanta area, show that in the Atlanta Metro area, only one county had more than 20 percent of the population attending church. Henry County, 15 miles South of the Atlanta Airport, showed a 23 percent rate of church attendance.
When someone tells me they "used to go" to church, I often ask "Would you mind sharing what happened that caused you to stop going?" Thus far, almost none of them had negative things to say about God or church. Sure, a few say they think too much emphasis is put on money, but most just wandered away.
They're not mad at God, church or preachers. Most are still very religious though not in church. Many ask, "Chaplain, would you please pray for me and my family?"
Atlanta is the buckle of the Bible Belt. Even here, church attendance is plunging. Shouldn't we who care about that, be having emergency meetings to find out why and what can be done to turn that around?
There was a time when God's attendance on earth was down to zero, but Scripture says, "And Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." After 900 years since Adam and Eve, God's attendance was back up to one. If God's attendance ever gets down to one again, I want to be that one.
As stated, on a daily basis, I'm with people from many denominational affiliations; Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterian, Catholic, Pentecostal and on and on. So, this is not intended to be a shot at the COG. But in most denominations, including ours, it seems more business-as-usual.
OK, so we can't save church attendance everywhere, but we COG folk could meet and find out what we can do to reach out to those who have left our churches. Whachathink?
Doyle
writedoyle@gmail.com
404-933-1373
_________________
The largest room in the world is the room for improvement.
Last edited by doyle on 3/17/17 9:06 pm; edited 1 time in total |
Acts-celerate Owner
Posts: 6957
2/27/17 2:40 pm
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UncleJD |
I have a developing theory that I'm working out with my brother, perhaps we'll write a book.
I have a lot of thoughts, stats, quotes, etc.. but if I had to sum it up in one statement it might be this..
I strongly feel the anemic seeker-friendly "mega church" has driven the small, healthy church out of business on one hand, and eventually bored most of those that hopped over, right out the door. |
Golf Cart Mafia Consigliere
Posts: 3147
2/27/17 3:27 pm
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| Here is one of the unnoticed problems |
brotherjames |
The Frequency Issue
Stated simply, the number one reason for the decline in church attendance is that members attend with less frequency than they did just a few years ago. Allow me to explain.
If the frequency of attendance changes, then attendance will respond accordingly. For example, if 200 members attend every week the average attendance is, obviously, 200. But if one-half of those members miss only one out of four weeks, the attendance drops to 175.
Did you catch that? No members left the church. Everyone is still relatively active in the church. But attendance declined over 12 percent because half the members changed their attendance behavior slightly.
This phenomenon can take place rather quickly in an individual church. And leaders in the church are often left scratching their heads because the behavioral change is so slight, almost imperceptible. We really don't notice when someone who attends four times a month begins to attend only three times a month. Nor do we typically catch it when the twice-a-month attendee becomes a once-a-month attendee. |
Acts-celerater
Posts: 935
2/27/17 3:37 pm
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JLarry |
The church we attend has grown in the last five years from about 100 to almost 400.
Our former church started in 2001 and has grown to about 400. This probably does not reflect the average church but a good testimony for the last two church we have been a part of. It would be nice to say I was responsible for the growth of these churches but the truth is it had nothing to do with it.
It is rather heart breaking to hear that church attendance is on the decline. I need to get back to pastoring in a hurry. 
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No one who died without Christ is happy about their decision. |
Acts Mod
Posts: 3346
2/27/17 4:50 pm
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| For some insight...(L) |
Mark Ledbetter |
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Methocostal |
Uncle, you beat me to it.
I do think a major issue is the move to the mega church. Unfortunately, I also see it at small churches. We left churches before and never received one inquiry as to why.
This was a hot button issue with me a few years ago, under a different name, and was a major reason I ultimately "banished" myself. I was amazed at the lack of concern by the pastors on this board when people quit attending. Most seemed to have the attitude that it doesn't do any good to try to keep people from leaving. Perhaps they are correct that one can't persuade people already upset from leaving. But "exit interviews" could go a long way in determining systemic problems that solving common issues may prevent others from leaving. I hate to say "most", but that was my recollection. Conversatively, I know it was significant number of pastors had a "members fault" mentality.
I think it is a serious spiritual problem for pastors with such an attitude. What part of the one lost sheep did they miss? I am FULLY aware of problem parishoners, but I'm sorry, it is the pastors responsibility to be a shepherd. Indeed, it is not the sole responsibility of the pastor, but it DOES start at the top. The pastor sets the tone. If lower level pastors are in charge of visiting, then those assigned responsibility should visit. If Church small groups are in charge of visiting and ministering to those under them, then it is THEIR responsibility. Ultimately, though, the pastor sets the tone and if they don't make it a priority, I assure you, the lower levels that are suppose to do it, will NOT do it.
If people are not asked why they left, how do you know if they are sick, discouraged, backslidden or whatever? I'd hate to be in the shoes of the pastor that just ignores those that left. If for no other reason, than business, pastors need to know WHAT do they can do to prevent others from doing the same. For goodness sake, the soul of people are at stake.
It matters not one iota if the member left for silly reasons, the pastors ultimate responsibility is to be the chief shepherd. If you don't like that, talk to God, not me. I didn't write the rules.
| UncleJD wrote: | I have a developing theory that I'm working out with my brother, perhaps we'll write a book.
I have a lot of thoughts, stats, quotes, etc.. but if I had to sum it up in one statement it might be this..
I strongly feel the anemic seeker-friendly "mega church" has driven the small, healthy church out of business on one hand, and eventually bored most of those that hopped over, right out the door. |
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Friendly Face
Posts: 496
2/27/17 5:46 pm
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Cojak |
| Methocostal wrote: | ...
If people are not asked why they left, how do you know if they are sick, discouraged, backslidden or whatever? I'd hate to be in the shoes of the pastor that just ignores those that left. If for no other reason, than business, pastors need to know WHAT do they can do to prevent others from doing the same. For goodness sake, the soul of people are at stake.
It matters not one iota if the member left for silly reasons, the pastors ultimate responsibility is to be the chief shepherd. ... |
Without being personal I know of folk who left and NO ONE contacted them. I think the idea in our GASTON COUNTY the pastors just assume the folks who left "DIDN'T LIKE IT HERE AND MOVED ON to one of the many churches in the county, GOD BLESS 'EM".
Not a good idea to ASSUME!  
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Some facts but mostly just my opinion!
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http://shipslog-jack.blogspot.com/ |
01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011
Posts: 24285
2/27/17 6:29 pm
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| Re: Here is one of the unnoticed problems |
Link |
| brotherjames wrote: | The Frequency Issue
Stated simply, the number one reason for the decline in church attendance is that members attend with less frequency than they did just a few years ago. Allow me to explain.
If the frequency of attendance changes, then attendance will respond accordingly. For example, if 200 members attend every week the average attendance is, obviously, 200. But if one-half of those members miss only one out of four weeks, the attendance drops to 175.
Did you catch that? No members left the church. Everyone is still relatively active in the church. But attendance declined over 12 percent because half the members changed their attendance behavior slightly.
This phenomenon can take place rather quickly in an individual church. And leaders in the church are often left scratching their heads because the behavioral change is so slight, almost imperceptible. We really don't notice when someone who attends four times a month begins to attend only three times a month. Nor do we typically catch it when the twice-a-month attendee becomes a once-a-month attendee. |
If most of a congregation drops from Sunday and two nights a week to Sunday only, that's a huge drop in attendance.
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Link |
Acts-perienced Poster
Posts: 11849
2/28/17 3:13 am
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Link |
It could also be what people are taught. In the buckle of the Bible Belt, a lot of people are taught that if they repeat a prayer after a pastor once, that they are eternally saved and anything else isn't important because it isn't a 'salvation issue.'
They also hear that 'All that is important is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.' Well, if my personal relationship with Jesus Christ were all that is important, I wouldn't need any other Christians, or church, or anything else. Why would your personal relationship with Jesus be about going to church, if that's all that's important? I don't believe that way, but I would imagine a lot of non-church-attending professors of faith would say that what is important is their personal relationship with Jesus.
I think mega-churches can make church a lot less personal, especially if most people aren't plugged into a small group.
Usually, when something trends too far in one direction, there is a counter-trend in the other direction. So I'd expect there to be a huge 'demand' for churches where people really know each other, minister to one another, and experience strong fellowship and community.
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Link |
Acts-perienced Poster
Posts: 11849
2/28/17 3:15 am
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Preacher777 |
[quote="Link"]It could also be what people are taught. In the buckle of the Bible Belt, a lot of people are taught that if they repeat a prayer after a pastor once, that they are eternally saved and anything else isn't important because it isn't a 'salvation issue.'
Link makes a great point in the quote above. I also see the same thing happening in Pentecostal/Full Gospel churches. If one can repeat a prayer, profess belief and be told he/she is going to heaven without repentance from sin as part of the salvation experience why expect them to crucify the flesh later?
I also believe competition among churches for Sunday morning attendance indirectly provides easier tickets to heaven. We know that when looking for a job most people are looking for the most money and benefits wit the least amount of time and responsibility. The law of supply and demand dictates what employers offer. Right now so many churches have a focus of Sunday morning attendance with this dwindling supply of participants. Therefore, I believe this gives people many options on the most rewards (your life now on this earth) and a ticket to heaven with the least amount of repentance, change and taking up the cross daily.
When doing missions I spent months in villages overseas where one has one option concerning an evangelistic church. The pastors teach repentance from sin and the desire to let God change one's lifestyle completely upon conversion. One advantage of being a pastor there is that the whole village watches your every move if you become a believer. One is expected to be at every church service, prayer meeting etc. without options from other churches. When a person accepts Christ there one pattern exists concerning the commitment level of a Christian. Now we lead people to Christ here in America and they have few examples of people who are committed to more than Sunday mornings if that and very few drastic lifestyle changes upon accepting Christ.
Everything reproduces according to its kind! |
Friendly Face
Posts: 434
2/28/17 7:29 am
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bonnie knox |
| Quote: | | If most of a congregation drops from Sunday and two nights a week to Sunday only, that's a huge drop in attendance. |
It depends on how a survey is worded/conducted. For example, a Pew survey used the categories
weekly (or more)
monthly/yearly
seldom/never
don't know/refused to answer.
In a survey like that, whether a person went once a week or three times a week, the statistics would not be different. |
[Insert Acts Pun Here]
Posts: 14803
2/28/17 8:37 am
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| technology |
wayne |
I'm thinking technology has something to do with it. Youtube, facebook live, satellite, cable, etc. Think about it, If I want to hear a sermon or good gospel singing, I can pull it up on my phone and watch without giving an offering, fighting traffic or listening to screaming kids.
We have people who never darken our door but tell us they watch all the time on-line. |
Acts Enthusiast
Posts: 1274
2/28/17 9:05 am
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skinnybishop |
Respectfully, I don't think an emergency meeting is necessary to determine why church attendance is declining.
I don't think its because of mega-churches.
I don't think its because of technology
I don't think its because of corrupt pastors.
Church attendance is declining because it is not a priority to people today.
Simply put, people have realized they can live without church.
They can go to Heaven, without church. (fairly recent revelation)
They can make connections without church.
They can raise their kids, without church.
They can be entertained without church.
Church is not a MUST HAVE.....so attendance declines.
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Eddie Wiggins |
Acts Enthusiast
Posts: 1055
2/28/17 9:26 am
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skinnybishop |
| Methocostal wrote: | Uncle, you beat me to it.
I do think a major issue is the move to the mega church. Unfortunately, I also see it at small churches. We left churches before and never received one inquiry as to why.
This was a hot button issue with me a few years ago, under a different name, and was a major reason I ultimately "banished" myself. I was amazed at the lack of concern by the pastors on this board when people quit attending. Most seemed to have the attitude that it doesn't do any good to try to keep people from leaving. Perhaps they are correct that one can't persuade people already upset from leaving. But "exit interviews" could go a long way in determining systemic problems that solving common issues may prevent others from leaving. I hate to say "most", but that was my recollection. Conversatively, I know it was significant number of pastors had a "members fault" mentality.
I think it is a serious spiritual problem for pastors with such an attitude. What part of the one lost sheep did they miss? I am FULLY aware of problem parishoners, but I'm sorry, it is the pastors responsibility to be a shepherd. Indeed, it is not the sole responsibility of the pastor, but it DOES start at the top. The pastor sets the tone. If lower level pastors are in charge of visiting, then those assigned responsibility should visit. If Church small groups are in charge of visiting and ministering to those under them, then it is THEIR responsibility. Ultimately, though, the pastor sets the tone and if they don't make it a priority, I assure you, the lower levels that are suppose to do it, will NOT do it.
If people are not asked why they left, how do you know if they are sick, discouraged, backslidden or whatever? I'd hate to be in the shoes of the pastor that just ignores those that left. If for no other reason, than business, pastors need to know WHAT do they can do to prevent others from doing the same. For goodness sake, the soul of people are at stake.
It matters not one iota if the member left for silly reasons, the pastors ultimate responsibility is to be the chief shepherd. If you don't like that, talk to God, not me. I didn't write the rules.
| UncleJD wrote: | I have a developing theory that I'm working out with my brother, perhaps we'll write a book.
I have a lot of thoughts, stats, quotes, etc.. but if I had to sum it up in one statement it might be this..
I strongly feel the anemic seeker-friendly "mega church" has driven the small, healthy church out of business on one hand, and eventually bored most of those that hopped over, right out the door. |
|
Meth,
I'm with a lot of what you say. But for the record, I know why the last two families left my church, without making formal contact, to ask why.
Family#1 left over a seating dispute, in the sanctuary, with the church secretary. They chose to leave rather than address the issue. I. kid. you. not.
Family#2 left, when we had to replace their daughter in the Christmas play. The day of the play, the family was late arriving (25 min after the service started), and we had to use her understudy. Once they arrived, we let her be in the play, but the other kid was already miked up and did the lines. The mom got mad, blessed out the play director, and they never came back. The whole thing could have been avoided with a text or phone call.....but they blamed us.
_________________
Eddie Wiggins |
Acts Enthusiast
Posts: 1055
2/28/17 9:41 am
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Pastor Wright |
| UncleJD wrote: | | I strongly feel the anemic seeker-friendly "mega church" has driven the small, healthy church out of business on one hand, and eventually bored most of those that hopped over, right out the door. |
This is an interesting thought, and it makes a lot of sense. I'd love to hear your thoughts as you explore the idea further.
_________________
"[Jesus] will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end." - Nicene Creed |
Hey, DOC
Posts: 68
2/28/17 9:59 am
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UncleJD |
| Pastor Wright wrote: | | UncleJD wrote: | | I strongly feel the anemic seeker-friendly "mega church" has driven the small, healthy church out of business on one hand, and eventually bored most of those that hopped over, right out the door. |
This is an interesting thought, and it makes a lot of sense. I'd love to hear your thoughts as you explore the idea further. |
Today I'm thinking about the 20/80 principle (20% do 80% of the work, 80% are just attending) and how that plays out for those in the 80% that just "attend", that leave the relatively healthy small to medium church and move on to the large church. What is the life cycle of those folks? I strongly believe that they move from a church where they know most of the people and are at least attending regularly into an environment where they are much more anonymous and thereby find it a real challenge just to get up and go after a while.
Now lets look at the 20% (the ones that do 80% of the work). If they leave and go to the mega-church, do they necessarily become part of the 20% there? This is where a real tragedy is occurring in my own experience. I don't think they necessarily are. They don't understand the dynamic in the larger church, its not as organic to become "plugged in" as it was in the smaller body. I'm afraid a lot of those are moving into the 80% column, while the others are moving out completely after a season. My local church is growing, its fun, I love the pastor, the preaching, the worship, but after 46 years in small churches where I was always in the 20% (doing 80% of the work), I have found myself relegated to the 80%. Now people will tell me that's my fault, and they might be right, but hear my reasoning that I think might apply to a lot of people.
I don't get the "small groups take the place of Sunday night worship and Wednesday nights, etc.." mentality. I've tried it. I don't get it. They seem disconnected from the church, its not like going to church at all to me. Its more like an awkward Bible Study that may or may not be lead by someone with a deep knowledge of scripture (usually not). Otherwise its a video from the senior pastor, which is boring because its not live and interactive. And usually they break up within a year (not that I've made it a whole year in one, but you get the point).
Now, if I, having been a 20% person for 45 years, now feel like an 80% person after only a couple of years in a mega-church, what about the 80% folks? What happens to them? The national average church attendance is down year over year, I think I know why. I have a lot of research to do (if I ever find the time).
The last point for today is the large church model, I think that the small to medium church is trying to emulate the large church too much and may be why so many leave them to go to the large church. This is a huge topic and needs pages to unpack. |
Golf Cart Mafia Consigliere
Posts: 3147
2/28/17 11:11 am
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Methocostal |
Those are perfect examples of "silly reasons" people leave. My point was to look at systemic issues. You can't fix "stupid" and the examples you gave a where the members are being stupid
At least you know what happened and there isn't a thing you can do, except preach on spiritual maturity. Evidentally, those people had a far greater problem than who sat in "their" seat and potential pride in wanting their child to be seen in the musical program. 25 minutes late and they think the whole thing stops for their child. Obviously, there was nothing you could do.
Those aren't the type of examples I think I meant.
| skinnybishop wrote: | | Methocostal wrote: | Uncle, you beat me to it.
I do think a major issue is the move to the mega church. Unfortunately, I also see it at small churches. We left churches before and never received one inquiry as to why.
This was a hot button issue with me a few years ago, under a different name, and was a major reason I ultimately "banished" myself. I was amazed at the lack of concern by the pastors on this board when people quit attending. Most seemed to have the attitude that it doesn't do any good to try to keep people from leaving. Perhaps they are correct that one can't persuade people already upset from leaving. But "exit interviews" could go a long way in determining systemic problems that solving common issues may prevent others from leaving. I hate to say "most", but that was my recollection. Conversatively, I know it was significant number of pastors had a "members fault" mentality.
I think it is a serious spiritual problem for pastors with such an attitude. What part of the one lost sheep did they miss? I am FULLY aware of problem parishoners, but I'm sorry, it is the pastors responsibility to be a shepherd. Indeed, it is not the sole responsibility of the pastor, but it DOES start at the top. The pastor sets the tone. If lower level pastors are in charge of visiting, then those assigned responsibility should visit. If Church small groups are in charge of visiting and ministering to those under them, then it is THEIR responsibility. Ultimately, though, the pastor sets the tone and if they don't make it a priority, I assure you, the lower levels that are suppose to do it, will NOT do it.
If people are not asked why they left, how do you know if they are sick, discouraged, backslidden or whatever? I'd hate to be in the shoes of the pastor that just ignores those that left. If for no other reason, than business, pastors need to know WHAT do they can do to prevent others from doing the same. For goodness sake, the soul of people are at stake.
It matters not one iota if the member left for silly reasons, the pastors ultimate responsibility is to be the chief shepherd. If you don't like that, talk to God, not me. I didn't write the rules.
| UncleJD wrote: | I have a developing theory that I'm working out with my brother, perhaps we'll write a book.
I have a lot of thoughts, stats, quotes, etc.. but if I had to sum it up in one statement it might be this..
I strongly feel the anemic seeker-friendly "mega church" has driven the small, healthy church out of business on one hand, and eventually bored most of those that hopped over, right out the door. |
|
Meth,
I'm with a lot of what you say. But for the record, I know why the last two families left my church, without making formal contact, to ask why.
Family#1 left over a seating dispute, in the sanctuary, with the church secretary. They chose to leave rather than address the issue. I. kid. you. not.
Family#2 left, when we had to replace their daughter in the Christmas play. The day of the play, the family was late arriving (25 min after the service started), and we had to use her understudy. Once they arrived, we let her be in the play, but the other kid was already miked up and did the lines. The mom got mad, blessed out the play director, and they never came back. The whole thing could have been avoided with a text or phone call.....but they blamed us. |
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Friendly Face
Posts: 496
2/28/17 12:01 pm
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Methocostal |
Absolutely! The only thing I may dispute with your analysis is the 80/20 rule:) In church, it may 95/5 !
But, without question, the small churches are trying to emulate what the large churches are doing. NOTHING, BUT NOTHING sounds worse than people who sing badly trying to do contemporary music
I know this thread was not about contemporary music. Perhaps, I'm biased with how I grew up where southern "hillbillies" sang the old songs horribly so perhaps I expect the old songs to be done horribly, so I'm don't notice old songs being done poorly. After all, professional blue grass sounds pretty hickish to be done right, but even then, they stay on tune
IMO, if you can't sing, don't do contemporary! I have my own view of the new P&W, but for GOODNESS sake, don't do contemporary with a hickish vocal technique !!!!!!!!!! At least it sounds more natural if you do some old old SG with a bluegrass twang.
But, I digress. Add is wonderful sometimes, makes life so much more interesting than you boring people that can stay on topic!
Seriously, the Church is in absolute terrible health and it must be addressed!
| UncleJD wrote: | | Pastor Wright wrote: | | UncleJD wrote: | | I strongly feel the anemic seeker-friendly "mega church" has driven the small, healthy church out of business on one hand, and eventually bored most of those that hopped over, right out the door. |
This is an interesting thought, and it makes a lot of sense. I'd love to hear your thoughts as you explore the idea further. |
Today I'm thinking about the 20/80 principle (20% do 80% of the work, 80% are just attending) and how that plays out for those in the 80% that just "attend", that leave the relatively healthy small to medium church and move on to the large church. What is the life cycle of those folks? I strongly believe that they move from a church where they know most of the people and are at least attending regularly into an environment where they are much more anonymous and thereby find it a real challenge just to get up and go after a while.
Now lets look at the 20% (the ones that do 80% of the work). If they leave and go to the mega-church, do they necessarily become part of the 20% there? This is where a real tragedy is occurring in my own experience. I don't think they necessarily are. They don't understand the dynamic in the larger church, its not as organic to become "plugged in" as it was in the smaller body. I'm afraid a lot of those are moving into the 80% column, while the others are moving out completely after a season. My local church is growing, its fun, I love the pastor, the preaching, the worship, but after 46 years in small churches where I was always in the 20% (doing 80% of the work), I have found myself relegated to the 80%. Now people will tell me that's my fault, and they might be right, but hear my reasoning that I think might apply to a lot of people.
I don't get the "small groups take the place of Sunday night worship and Wednesday nights, etc.." mentality. I've tried it. I don't get it. They seem disconnected from the church, its not like going to church at all to me. Its more like an awkward Bible Study that may or may not be lead by someone with a deep knowledge of scripture (usually not). Otherwise its a video from the senior pastor, which is boring because its not live and interactive. And usually they break up within a year (not that I've made it a whole year in one, but you get the point).
Now, if I, having been a 20% person for 45 years, now feel like an 80% person after only a couple of years in a mega-church, what about the 80% folks? What happens to them? The national average church attendance is down year over year, I think I know why. I have a lot of research to do (if I ever find the time).
The last point for today is the large church model, I think that the small to medium church is trying to emulate the large church too much and may be why so many leave them to go to the large church. This is a huge topic and needs pages to unpack. |
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Friendly Face
Posts: 496
2/28/17 12:08 pm
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| (L) |
bonnie knox |
Wow, brotherjames you sound surprisingly like Thom Rainer. Word-for-word, in fact.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/the-number-one-reason-for-the-decline-in-church-attendance-and-five-ways-to-address-it-102882/
| brotherjames wrote: | The Frequency Issue
Stated simply, the number one reason for the decline in church attendance is that members attend with less frequency than they did just a few years ago. Allow me to explain.
If the frequency of attendance changes, then attendance will respond accordingly. For example, if 200 members attend every week the average attendance is, obviously, 200. But if one-half of those members miss only one out of four weeks, the attendance drops to 175.
Did you catch that? No members left the church. Everyone is still relatively active in the church. But attendance declined over 12 percent because half the members changed their attendance behavior slightly.
This phenomenon can take place rather quickly in an individual church. And leaders in the church are often left scratching their heads because the behavioral change is so slight, almost imperceptible. We really don't notice when someone who attends four times a month begins to attend only three times a month. Nor do we typically catch it when the twice-a-month attendee becomes a once-a-month attendee. |
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[Insert Acts Pun Here]
Posts: 14803
2/28/17 12:40 pm
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| Re: (L) |
UncleJD |
| bonnie knox wrote: | Wow, brotherjames you sound surprisingly like Thom Rainer. Word-for-word, in fact.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/the-number-one-reason-for-the-decline-in-church-attendance-and-five-ways-to-address-it-102882/
| brotherjames wrote: | The Frequency Issue
Stated simply, the number one reason for the decline in church attendance is that members attend with less frequency than they did just a few years ago. Allow me to explain.
If the frequency of attendance changes, then attendance will respond accordingly. For example, if 200 members attend every week the average attendance is, obviously, 200. But if one-half of those members miss only one out of four weeks, the attendance drops to 175.
Did you catch that? No members left the church. Everyone is still relatively active in the church. But attendance declined over 12 percent because half the members changed their attendance behavior slightly.
This phenomenon can take place rather quickly in an individual church. And leaders in the church are often left scratching their heads because the behavioral change is so slight, almost imperceptible. We really don't notice when someone who attends four times a month begins to attend only three times a month. Nor do we typically catch it when the twice-a-month attendee becomes a once-a-month attendee. |
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Golf Cart Mafia Consigliere
Posts: 3147
2/28/17 4:45 pm
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