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Tuesday, July 18, 2017

10 Reasons Why People Don't Go To Church

The church growth data is pretty clear. The Western church is struggling.

The 2016 Census data in Australia shows that only 6% of Australians go to church at least once a month. The new data also show a sharp increase in the number of people (29%+) who identify with 'no religion' on their census report. Similar trends can be seen across the Western world, showing people for the most part, are less inclined to be inspired by attending church or the Sunday mass at the Catholic church. Is church growth happening? We can say, in the West, the church is definitely in decline. There are pockets of growth, but the established church continues to be in dire straits.

Let me explain some things before I go further. Let's firstly define the meaning of the word church. The word church is used three times in the New Testament (Grk: ecclesia), and is not referring to a building in which people frequent once a week, typically on a Sunday. The church is a group of individuals who gather together (where ever, and when ever), to worship God, grow in their faith in Christ and partner with God in mission. When I refer to why people don't go to church, I think most people might think of why people don't enter a church building on a Sunday morning, but I don't think the following points are limited to just that. With a correct view of what the 'church' is, this post should possibly be, '10 reasons why people are not part of a church community'.

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See also: 10 Reasons Why People Don't Believe in God
8 Reasons Why Churches Don't Grow
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One further point is that I think the church is important. The church is God's primary vehicle for transforming the world. God chooses to allow us to partner with the Creator in life transforming mission. The believers gather together regularly to be empowered by God, and through their faith in Christ, others are drawn to discover God themselves, because of the inner working of God in that believer's life.

That being said, let's explore the reasons why less people are attending church today and whether there is validity in such reasons.

10 REASONS WHY PEOPLE DON'T GO TO CHURCH

Reason 1 - Why people don't go to church - The perception of Christians is one of judgment and negativity.

One young lady said once, I don't like working in the cafe on a Sunday, because that's the day the Christians come in. What was the issue? The issue was, the Christians constantly complained, weren't happy with the food, and we're generally tough customers to deal with. Is this is a valid observation of all Christians? Well, no, not of all Christians, but this young lady's observation of the Christians she saw in her cafe was valid They were judgmental and negative.

Reason 2 - Why people don't go to church - Church is boring.

For many church communities, the assertion is probably correct. Though, you could argue, since when was the church meant to be entertaining? The church has changed dramatically over the years, and there are many great churches, with relevant music, relevant preaching, welcoming people and the like. The issue is probably again the perception that people have of the church. Trying to convince people in my part of the world, that the church is an exciting, welcoming place, where lives are transformed, is hard for people to grasp. They have built up negative perceptions of the church.

Now, if your ecclesial structure is based around common interests, hospitality, craft, tools and handiwork, etc, and less about a one hour time slot of entertainment, then maybe one may be more inclined to be interested.

Reason 3 - Why people don't go to church - The church is exclusive.

I always say, the church has an exclusive message, which is available to anyone. There is undoubtedly a tension between a message that is for everyone (inclusive), but the message itself being exclusive. This will never change. Jesus offers salvation for the world. What must change is the Christian's communication of such an inclusive/exclusive message. Bible bashing simply gives people headaches.

The church would do well to stop acting like a country club that only welcomes visitors if they fit their unsaid rules of participation.

Reason 4 - Why people don't go to church - Christians are homophobic.

Maybe we are, maybe we aren't. Nonetheless this is one factor on why people don't go to church. I believe that some Christians who have taken a conservative approach to homosexuality, have quite often failed to show grace in expressing their differing views to those around them. The disturbing pictures of fundamentalist Christians holding up their placards does not do the message of hope found in Christ any favours. The tension for the church today is balancing truth and grace. The church struggles in defining the former and living out the later.

Reason 5 - Why people don't go to church - 'I don't like organized religion'.

People are not advocating that the church not be 'organized', that is, that the filing cabinet not be sorted out, the money not banked properly. The issue here is that those who don't go to church hate to see an abuse of power. I write about five sources of power here, one of which is coercive power. The abuse of power has been too prevalent at times, especially when you consider church history, but I must say, how much of this coercive abuse of power was under the guise of Christianity, but was not real Christianity? Nonetheless, organized religion turns people away.

It is a difficult one. You have organizational systems that mature over time, where processes develop, and policies and procedures are enacted. Take for example The Salvation Army. When it began it did not seek to have a bureaucratic system, but then someone came along and said, 'We want The Salvation Army to do our wedding'. So The Salvation Army applies to the Government for approval. Then, there is money flowing in from donations. The Salvation Army opens a bank account, employs an accountant, and needs an auditor to look over the finances. I think you get the point. The 'organizing' of the organisation was important and essential to good governance. I don't think this is why people don't go to church. I think it's that organized religion is related to the abuse of power by a small minority of individuals, rather than the mere organizing of a faith community.

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Also: Why Australians Don't Go To Church
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Reason 6 - Why people don't go to church - Churches are full of hypocrites

Yes. The church is full of hypocrites. I am a hypocrite. But with all due respect, you are a hypocrite too. We all say one thing and do another at times. The great thing about the gospel message is that a whole bunch of hypocrites can gather together and find purpose, hope and forgiveness in Jesus!

Reason 7 - Why people don't go to church - The church just want your money.

When you go to a church that talks more about its offering, than the Word of God, then the point is no doubt very valid. I think the church at times finds itself concerned about its financial situation and thus challenges people (maybe too much?) about giving. Leaders in the church would do well to pray more and trust God will provide. I am not saying, Christians should not be challenged to give generously to the local church, but what I am saying is that as we pray God will provide the finances we need. Money follows mission.

I heard recently that the financial situation in the U.S.A., shows more people are on lower incomes and unemployed than years before, and this has affected the income of churches across the States. A new outlook of faith and trust in God's provision is needed and a greater focus on volunteerism rather than employment of 'professionals' is needed. The emerging church would suggest on taking a look at creative ways to be the church, that do not include such an enormous outlay of capital.

Some may say they don't go to church because the church just wants its money. I do wonder though, how many are feeling a level of conviction about the importance they place on their own finances?

Reason 8 - Why people don't go to church - Life is better without religion.

The perception is that life will be worse with religion than without it. Though I have issues with the word religion. I know that technically it relates to faith communities, but the word is so wrapped up in cultural perceptions, that I prefer not to even use the word. I don't care much about religion, in the negative sense, but rather a relationship with God.

Reason 9 - Why people don't go to church - Christians live on another planet and wear brown sweaters.

The Simpsons have done well to characterise Christians, haven't they? Some churches are like the modern day Amish, but other churches are just normal, everyday people who love God. No doubt if you look to the education system, for example, you will see some schools who are behind the times, and others who are pushing new ground, and are forging ahead. You look at big business, you see some that are fledgling and others that are booming with relevant products and up-to-date systems. The church is no different. Unfortunately the media like to pinpoint the most flawed church in the country and then flaunt it like it characterises every church in that country.

Don't let one brown sweater put you off.

By the way, mine is still in the wash...

Reason 10 - Why people don't go to church - Don't have time.

This is really a priority issue but a valid reason nonetheless. People are flat-out today, trying to tie off lose ends, and get the house clean and take their kids to sport. Why bother with going to church?

All I can say here, is that if you had a different perception of the amazing nature of the God who created you, you would very quickly find ways to reorganize your priorities around such a wonderful God.

Conversely, you could argue the church should do more to deal with its obsession with Christendom styles of church governance, and look at establishing faith communities within the established fabric of society. You will always have time to be the church, if your expressions of faith are genuinely embedded in the every day life of the people.

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Keep Reading - 10 Reasons Why People Don't Believe in God
8 Reasons Why Churches Don't Grow

Add your voice below. Why do people not go to church?

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

One Reason Why People Don't Go To Church - Christians are Judgmental

No comments:

My post 10 Reasons Why People Don't Go To Church struck a chord with many. The first reason I gave for why people don't go to church is because, frankly, many think Christians are judgmental, negative and critical. I want to ask you, is it true?

One young lady once said, 'I don't like working in the cafe on a Sunday, because that's the day the Christians come in.' I had to double check that what she was saying was true. She wasn’t making it up. I wish she was. She was adamant. When the ‘Christians’ came into the café in which she worked, they were demanding, picky, negative and demeaning. I was thinking I could argue and say, ‘Well, that’s just your perception of Christians.’ I could have argued that point, the problem was, however, that her perception was an accurate view of reality.

We have all seen the bad caricatures of Christians in secular media; depicted as outdated and irrelevant people, wearing weird clothing. Well, this lady’s view of Christians was true. In this particular incident, Christians were negative and rude. Now one desires to defend the Christian faith, and its poor representation, but at times, one must simply admit, that these followers of Jesus let the team down.

Sometimes Christians are very judgmental; sometimes we simply appear to be so.

Let me clarify for you, before you move on to washing your car, making dinner and putting the kids in bed. People of Christian faith are regularly making moral judgments about what is going on in their reality and in their world.

Though one must surely distinguish between being judgmental and making judgments.

See, to make a judgment is to merely discern the appropriate action to a particular problem and to form an opinion. Being judgmental is technically one who is simply making a judgment, but is usually used with a negative connotation; that is, ‘someone is being judgmental.’

When a Christian makes a judgment that need not mean she is being judgmental in the negative sense. For instance, I recall a time a few of us were sitting in a local fast food restaurant and we were chatting about leadership. Then we got on to the topic of allowing people to become Christian ministers, and the process in which that happens. The topic got quite heated as we discussed what really mattered in the scheme of things when it came to ordaining someone for Christian ‘Full-time’ Ministry. Then some blurted out, ‘Well, it’s not our place to be judge!’

I thought about this for a moment. Wait a minute, it is someone’s place to make a judgment. Say Johnny Smith puts his hands up to become a Clergyman, after some of his previous professions hadn’t gone too well. He’s out of work and sees an opportunity. Now, I’m not saying Johnny shouldn’t be able to become a Priest, but the fact is, someone needs to make a judgment call at some point. Should Johnny be able to become a priest? It is not judgmental in a negative way, to go through the right processes, of prayer, background checks, psychological testing, interviews and the like to make a ‘judgment’ about Johnny’s capacity or otherwise to do the job he feels called to do.

Christians make judgments. Well, we all make judgments. We make decisions on whether we will buy that new jumper, or wear the old one in the cupboard. We decide if we’ll take out that loan or not, and we decide whether we’re going to eat out and cook at home again for another night. Employers make judgments about employees. Politicians make judgments about new policies. Farmers make judgments about how they’ll prepare their crop. Dancers make judgments on their choreography.

The issue then, is not that Christians make judgments or are judgmental (in the strict sense of the word), but there’s something else at play.

Could it be that what infuriates unbelievers the most, is not so much that Christian’s have a say about a particular topic, but rather it’s the content of what they say that annoys them. So, it’s then, not so much that Christians make judgments but it’s what they find to be so important in life that drives others crazy.

Let me go down this rabbit warren for a moment. Most people, in secular democratic societies today are big on free speech. You have a right to speak your mind, and you have a right to a particular ideology. You have human rights and that affords you the luxury of choosing which way you lean politically, creating your own view on the environment and making an opinion about the latest music.

Though you have a right to speak what is important to you, that doesn’t mean people are going to like what you say. Often when someone hears something that challenges their foundational belief system, one feels offended and taken-aback. That’s when you hear, ‘Stop being judgmental.’

Wait a second: If your belief system is challenged, the other person may not be intending to be ‘judgmental’, but is probably just them making particular comments about the aspects of the beliefs to which they have a different view.

So there’s a difference from being negative and judgmental to offering up an opinion that runs in stark contrast to the one listening.

Here’s the challenge for communities of faith today. Our views and forthright opinions that we express in church communities can come across as judgmental to those listening. That may not be because we are purposefully being antagonistic, but rather, that what the listener is hearing, is so at odds with their own world-view, it appears judgmental and harsh.

How do we deal with this issue? Is it simply the work of the Holy Spirit to convince those that hear what we say has validity? Does that then mean it doesn’t matter how forthright we share the message of Christ and the Kingdom of God to a yet-to-be-Christian?

If we head down the track that it is entirely the work of the Spirit to convince someone of the credibility of the Gospel story, then we excuse ourselves from any part that we play. One has to admit, we surely play a part. We are responsible for:

What we communicate to others
How we communicate that message to others
How we conduct our day-to-day lives
How we express compassion to another
How we respond to negativity ourselves
How we introduce aspects of our faith story with an unbeliever

It is the role of the Holy Spirit to guide people into all truth[i] but it the role of the believer to creatively and compassionately live out and proclaim a message of hope to the world. Christians cannot abdicate their responsibility to be salt and light in the world, and cannot shirk from the accountability God puts on us to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.[ii]

People would surely seek to be part of churches if they were places that overflowed with respect, love and compassion and were communities that acknowledged people are on a journey of discovering the truth of God. We must show respect and love in the process.

I don't mean to judge, but Christians can be negative, pessimistic and judgmental. We need to show another way.

The way of Christ.

[i] John 16:13

[ii] Micah 6:8

Sunday, August 12, 2012

10 Reasons Why People Don't Go To Church

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10 Reasons Why People Don't Go To Church

Times have changed. Back in the early 1900s a majority of people in western world countries went to church. Sunday morning would arrive, and the 'Sunday best' clothes would be donned, and off the family would trot to church.

This post makes some assertions. Firstly, this post is predominantly relevant only to first world countries. For some African countries the post might rather be, '10 reasons why people flock to church!' Secondly, while obviously a number of people still go to church, the numbers continue to decline in the U.S.A., Australia, European Countries, and more; thus this post.

10 Reasons Why People Don't Go to Church

Reason 1 - Why people don't go to church - The perception of Christians is one of judgmentalism and negativity.

One young lady said once, I don't like working in the cafe on a Sunday, because that's the day the Christians come in. What was the issue? The issue was, the Christians constantly complained, weren't happy with the food, and we're generally tough customers to deal with. Is this is a valid observation of all Christians? Well, no, not of all Christians, but this young ladies' observation of the Christians she saw in her cafe was valid! They were judgmental and negative.

Reason 2 - Why people don't go to church - Church is boring.

For many church communities, the assertion is probably correct. Though, you could argue, since when was the church meant to be entertaining? The church has changed dramatically over the years, and there are many great churches, with relevant music, relevant preaching, welcoming people and the like. The issue is probably again the perception that people have of the church. Trying to convince people in my part of the world, that the church is an exciting, welcoming place, where lives are transformed, is hard for people to grasp. Their built up negative perceptions of the church is difficult to unravel.

Reason 3 - Why people don't go to church - The church is exclusive.

I always say, the church has an exclusive message, which is available to anyone. There is undoubtedly a tension between a message that is for everyone (inclusive), but the message itself being exclusive. This will never change. Jesus offers salvation for the world. What must change is the Christian's communication of such an exclusive message. Bible bashing simply gives people headaches.

Reason 4 - Why people don't go to church - Christians are homophobic.

Maybe we are, maybe we aren't. Nonetheless this is one factor on why people don't go to church. I believe that Christians, while taking a conservative approach to homosexuality, have quite often failed to show grace in expressing their differing views to those around about them. The disturbing pictures of fundamentalist Christians holding up their placards does not do the message of hope found in Christ any favours.

Reason 5 - Why people don't go to church - 'I don't like organized religion'.

There is much to be said. It is a difficult one. You have an organizational system that cannot help but develop, for example, when The Salvation Army began it did not seek to have a bureaucratic system, but then someone came along and said, 'We want The Salvation Army to do our wedding'. So The Salvation Army applies to the Government for approval. Then, there is money flowing in from donations. The Salvation Army open a bank account, employ an accountant, etc, etc. I think you get the point. The 'organizing' of the organisation was important. I don't think this is why people don't go to church. I think the organized religion part is more so related to the abuse of power by a small minority of individuals, rather than the mere organizing of a faith community.

I think the other challenge, is the church holding people accountable for their actions. This will never be popular. The church must balance carefully truth and grace. There are consequences for some actions, but how we handle them and communicate about them is very important.

_____________________________

Also: 10 Reasons why people don't believe in God
8 Reasons Why Churches Don't Grow
Why Australians Don't Go To Church
_____________________________

Reason 6 - Why people don't go to church - Churches are full of hypocrites

Yes. The church is full of hypocrites. I am a hypocrite. But with all do respect, you are a hypocrite too. We all say one thing and do another at times. The great thing about the gospel message is that a whole bunch of hypocrites can gather together and find purpose, hope and forgiveness from Jesus!

Reason 7 - Why people don't go to church - The church just want your money.

When you go to a church that talks more about its offering, than the sermon, then the point is no doubt very valid. I think the church at times finds itself concerned about its financial situation and thus challenges people (maybe too much?) about giving. Leaders in the church would do well to pray more and trust God will provide. I am not saying, Christians should not be challenged to give generously to the local church, but what I am saying is that as we pray God will provide the finances we need.

I heard recently about the financial situation in the U.S.A., that more people are on lower incomes and even unemployed than before, and this has affected the income of churches across the States. A new outlook of faith and trust in God's provision is needed and a greater focus on volunteerism rather than employment of 'professionals' is needed.

Also, are some that say they don't go to church because the church just wants its money, are feeling a level of conviction about the importance they place on their own finances?

Reason 8 - Why people don't go to church - Life is better without religion.

The perception is that life will be worse with religion than without it. I don't care much about religion, per se, but rather a relationship with God. Now, let me restate the reason - Life is better without a relationship with God. If this be the case, I will only accept those who have been followers of Jesus, who hold to that assertion. If you have never had a deeply committed relationship with God and hold to that assertion, then, you are like my three year old daughter who says she hates spinach and yet has never tasted it. There are millions of people on the planet who would try to convince you to 'give God a shot', but we know, that this is completely up to you. By the sheer numbers of followers of Jesus around the globe, there must be some merit to their beliefs right?

Reason 9 - Why people don't go to church - Christians live on another planet and wear brown sweaters.

The Simpsons have done well to characterise Christians, haven't they? It depends what church you are a part of. Some churches are like the modern day Amish, but other churches are just normal, everyday people who love God. No doubt if you look to the education system, for example, you will see some schools who are behind the times, and others who are pushing new ground, and are forging ahead. The church is no different. Don't let one brown sweater put you off.

By the way, mine is still in the wash...

Reason 10 - Why people don't go to church - Don't have time.

This post has now been updated - see the July 2017 version of 10 Reasons Why People Don't Go To Church.

*****

Keep Reading - 10 Reasons Why People Don't Believe in God
8 Reasons Why Churches Don't Grow

Add your voice below. Why do people not go to church?

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