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I was surprised to learn that just 21% of people who call themselves Christians are committed to a community of faith (Faith by George Barna). Even though the Apostles’ Creed affirms that we believe in the communion of saints, many Christians in America feel this is unnecessary to their spiritual maturity.
Add to this another disturbing finding by Willow Creek Association researchers: The longer a person exploring Christ attends church, the less likely he or she is to follow Christ. REVEAL research notes that people who are exploring Christ and attended church for more than five years were more likely to say they were discontented in their spiritual growth than those who attended less than five years (Move by Greg Hawkins and Cally Parkinson, Zondervan, 2011). So what is going on here?
The longer you are in church, the more stalled in your walk you become.? Then why bother to assemble with other believers?
The simply answer? Jesus thought it was a good idea and established the church as a community for believers. But we believers are finding reasons not to meet in a church setting.
Tomorrow, I will share my thoughts as to why people don’t go to church. Love to make this a dialogue. Share your thoughts!
Why do you think so many Christians don’t value going to church?
posted May 1, 2012 at 1:34 pm
This is interesting? I have not been to church for about 2 years, and at first I had to get my head round the fact I should go to church because “Jesus thought it was a good idea and established the church as a community for believers.”
I am happier out than in at the moment. I was though as a new Christian 12 years ago very happy in. Church was as much fun as the Tennis club I belonged to. Social, outings, playing tennis in all weathers [we were out door, but some times we played indoors, what a difference. Tournaments to be in and watch, etc. etc.
I have moved quite a distance and church life is very formal/liturgical. I have got a lot out of this though, but its not the atmosphere of the Tennis club, and there are no Tennis clubs around either! I have learned to be contemplative.
So I am interested to see what comes from your discussion, as I puzzle over this my self.
A good friend of mine in Canada, who is also in ministry, told me some time ago, many people are being called out of the structured church. Another thing I read to about this was that God must be doing something?
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