In this series of blogs, I’m highlighting and commenting bluntly from the Pew Research Center’s findings on the present rate of church decline across the country.  Why are fewer people participating in a local church?  Let me start with this factor: disassociation.  In other words, there is an absence of rootedness—both social and spiritual—that often hinders people from connecting themselves to a local community of believers. This factor addresses a prominent response that people stated in the survey, “I haven’t found a church that I like.”

Part of this dilemma naturally comes from the mobility factor that sends people far away from their homes in search of education, profession, and opportunity.  Sometimes necessity requires people to leave their native homes (military service, marriage, etc.) in order to fulfill vows and obligations.  Whatever the case, in this post-Christian era, fewer people have a sense of social and territorial rootedness, oftentimes spawning a spiritual vacuum as a consequence.  Most people will say, “I’d really like to be a part of a church,” but sadly many either don’t–or won’t—put the time and effort needed to find connection and association.

It’s no surprise that frequently the Bible uses metaphors to remedy this plight by calling the church to be a “community,” a “family,” and a “body” (where all parts are dependent upon one another), yet on too many occasions, the way a congregation presents itself can often contradict (at best) or repel (at worst) guests from receiving an authentic, “bonding” experience.  Sometimes the simplest things that are done–or not done—can make all the difference to a person who is making a good-faith attempt to learn more about a church’s life and work.

Let me offer a few thoughts—from direct experience—that can move towards addressing this issue of rootedness and association (or lack of it) in church ministry.

1. First (and this might sound trivial, but it’s not), does your church really want to reach people in your community?  I have been in numerous churches all over the country, and while most people would quickly say, “yes,” it’s a plain reality that few church members are inviting their family, friends, neighbors, and work colleagues to services and/or activities.  Certainly, they have their own reasons (excuses) for not inviting others.  Some say they don’t know anyone to invite.  Others say they’ve invited people, but they’ve gotten a “no,” and they’re tired of experiencing rejection.  Somewhere, somehow, there’s a disconnect here.  Could it be—say it ain’t so!—that the “hush reality” over why some church members don’t invite others is because in their own silent hearts, they’re not satisfied with their church, so why export it?  Ouch!  Issue: Pastors and leaders, what level of spiritual satisfaction or dissatisfaction exists within your congregation?  Do you really know?
2. Many times, churches lack the kind of “magnetism” needed to attract people because they’re consistently dealing with long term hurts, abuses, broken relationships or other negative factors that contribute to poor health. Unfortunately, visitors and guests pick up on those negativities, and don’t want to feel the pain of past baggage and unresolved conflict.  Issue: Pastors and leaders, are you addressing any and all areas of brokenness or hurt in your congregation?   
3. Finally, think about the human needs that your church can/could address in your community.  What areas of opportunity or brokenness exists within a five-mile radius of your church campus?  In practically every community where I’ve lived, people—Christians and unbelievers—have a common need for marriage education and enrichment, parenting skills, tutoring, financial counseling/budgeting, profession/career placement, and grief support following a recent loved one’s death.  Is your congregation offering practical, hands-on help (workshops, tutoring, support group seminars, etc.) to address those areas of human need?  Issue: Pastors and leaders, are you looking for “opportunity bridges” that can attract people in your community to your church on the basis of common human need?

In this post-Christian era, people are drawn to individuals and organizations who are attempting to address human need with non-judgmental compassion.  Danielle Bernock, in her book, Emerging with Wings, once wrote, “having needs is not evidence of weakness – it is human.” The Bible will say it this way: “human need is why Jesus came.  Therefore, as a church, we must follow His incarnational example.”