Sociologists reveal why people are done with church

but not their faith.

June 3, 2015

Webinar host

Craig CableDirector of Church Publishing

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Josh Packard, Ph.D.

Webinar guest

Future of the church

• By the year 2050, 106 million people worldwide will leave Christianity.

Future of the church

• By the year 2050, 106 million people worldwide will leave Christianity.

• In the US- Christians will drop from 75% to 66% of the population.

Future of the church

• By the year 2050, 106 million people worldwide will leave Christianity.

• In the US- Christians will drop from 75% to 66% of the population.

• 80% of churches report flat or declining attendance.

Future of the church

Why the title and sub?

Refugees are not ex-pats, or explorers, or vacationers. They are forced to flee for reasons beyond their control.

Why the title and sub?

Refugees are not ex-pats, or explorers, or vacationers. They are forced to flee for reasons beyond their control.

“Dones” are people done with church…but not with God.

Characteristics of “Dones”

• They’re not “casual Christians” or occasional attendees.

Characteristics of “Dones”

• They’re not “casual Christians” or occasional attendees.

• They did not leave on a whim or after just one bad experience.

Characteristics of “Dones”

• They’re not “casual Christians” or occasional attendees.

• They did not leave on a whim or after just one bad experience.

• Struggled over a prolonged period of time before deciding to leave.

Characteristics of “Dones”

• They’re not “casual Christians” or occasional attendees.

• They did not leave on a whim or after just one bad experience.

• Struggled over a prolonged period of time before deciding to leave.

• Are not angry, but they are uninterested.

Characteristics of “Dones”

• They’re not “casual Christians” or occasional attendees.

• They did not leave on a whim or after just one bad experience.

• Struggled over a prolonged period of time before deciding to leave.

• Are not angry, but they are uninterested.

• Are mostly white, well-educated, financially stable, and likely married.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative

• Quantitative research uses numbers and statistics to tell us WHAT is happening.

• Qualitative research relies on structured interviews to tell us WHY and HOWsomething is happening.

Research methodologies

What, if any, assumptions did you have coming into this research project?

Hypothesis?

• Hypothesis #1: It’s a generational movement.

Hypothesis

• Hypothesis #1: It’s a generational movement.

• Hypothesis #2: The dechurched are theological liberals.

Hypothesis

• Hypothesis #1: It’s a generational movement.

• Hypothesis #2: The dechurched are theological liberals.

• Hypothesis #3: The poor behavior and/or moral corruption of pastors drove people away.

Hypothesis

Conclusions?

What conclusion did you arrive at after the research?

“Dones” feel that the church was stifling their ability to live out their

faith with each other and their community.

Conclusion

What is your reaction to the rising numbers of dones?

• A. I wish I could do something to keep or bring the dones back to the church.

• B. I think the church may become healthier as a result of more committed Christians attending.

• C. While I value the local church, I’m about to be or I’m currently done with attending church services.

Audience Poll

• They wanted community… but felt judgment.

What are Dones seeking?

• They wanted community… but felt judgment.

• They sought to affect the life of the church… but ran into bureaucracy.

What are Dones seeking?

• They wanted community… but felt judgment.

• They sought to affect the life of the church… but ran into bureaucracy.

• They longed for conversations…but were taught doctrine.

What are Dones seeking?

• They wanted community… but felt judgment.

• They sought to affect the life of the church… but ran into bureaucracy.

• They longed for conversations…but were taught doctrine.

• They yearned to engage the world in meaningful ways…but were given moral prescriptions.

What are Dones seeking?

• Institutional knowledge and training.

How do they impact the church?

• Institutional knowledge and training.

• Considerable energy, talents, and financial resources.

How do they impact the church?

• Institutional knowledge and training.

• Considerable energy, talents, and financial resources.

• Their community and social connections that extend beyond the walls of the church.

How do they impact the church?

Jesus said, “I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not

conquer it.” (Matt 16:18)

1. What people go through when they decide to leave church.

What does the book offer?

1. What people go through when they decide to leave church.

2. What they do when they leave the church.

What does the book offer?

1. What people go through when they decide to leave church.

2. What they do when they leave the church.

3. What they ultimately want out of church.

What does the book offer?

Closing Thoughts / Questions

Webinar Perks

• A Sample chapter from Church Refugees

• Slides from today’s presentation

• Recorded version of presentation

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