Why People Leave the
Church
As Christians and
non-believers we share the same world, the same fears, needs, expectations and
dreams. But, as we look around us he may begin to question the need for any
type of “organized church” and find other sources to engage God but, they all
leave an empty void in our lives. That void can only be filled with
relationships that God placed in us before we were born. We are beings that
seek out relationships to meet physical, sexual and emotional needs. Today
let’s take a moment and discuss some reasons why people church. “I am sure that
if you get involved in a conversation regarding
the reasons, “Why People Left Church”, there are in most cases ten
popular reasons; 1) I don’t believe in unorganized religion, 2) I connect in my
own way to God , 3) I got tired of church asking for money, 4) Life situations
changed and I never went back, 5) I don’t have to attend church to be a good
person, 6) Sunday is my only day to rest, 7) Church is boring, 8) I never fit
in to the cliques, 9) Christians are judgmental and hypocritical, Lastly, number
10) my personal favorite: I have done so much bad stuff that I would not be
welcome anymore.” (Levings, 2012)
Due to the lack of space
I will choose a few of the ten reasons and unpack a few of them. Let’s start
with: #1 “I don’t believe in organized religion.” I would have to agree with
you because, the word religion gives an impression of rituals, a legalist
community or organized community that rules within itself to tell you what you
can do in comparison to one that uses solid
biblical teaching to base their thoughts and actions with the entire community
involved. Whether you are reading this in Palestine, Corsicana, Tyler,
Jacksonville or maybe as far as Gun Barrel City, your
communities have housing
additions that are “Gated”. To live there you must meet certain standards
regarding your home and what you can have on your property. This is what comes
to this old minister’s mind when I hear the term. But, in contrast, “What would
disorganized religion look like?” It might look like churches that the Apostle
Paul came in contact with. New believers brought pagan practices into the early
church. Paul writes harsh words to the Church at Corinth because they had
condoned sin, “I can hardly believe the report about the sexual
immorality going on among you, something that even pagans don’t do. I am told
that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother” (1 Corinthians 5:1 NLT). He goes on to condemn it. “The church today still
has its share of Pharisees, It’s sad but true.” (Levings, 2012, p.
3) Just like in government people have mindsets where they place “sins” at
different levels. They would shout, murder is a terrible crime, but cheating on
their spouse would not be as bad a sin. All sins are the same in the eyes of
God.
My next favorite is, “I
don’t have to go to church to be a good person.” I would have to answer that
question in two parts. Many good people and organizations do great things for
the community but the Bible clearly states that we receive Christ by faith and
not works. Scholars
would argue, faith vs.
works but I hold to the theology that we come to Christ through faith, and
faith alone. We receive salvation through grace and it is our salvation and
faith in Christ that generate works. “When we embrace the fact that we make
mistakes, do things that do not please God, treat other in inappropriate
manners, we acknowledge that we are not able to live the life God desires for
us by going it alone” (Levings, 2012, p. 13).
We need each other to come alongside of us for comfort and counsel. Lastly, “I
don’t think I would be welcome because of all the wrong things I have done.” I
like Levings response, “We can hide it, pretend it never happened, but that
leads to a long-term, deadly growth of deadly guilt and that tends to result in
us hiding from other Christians and God”
(Levings, 2012, p. 24). None of us are perfect, we are going to fall down, make
mistakes because we are sinnful in nature, but God is gracious to forgive. “For the law was given through Moses, but
God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17 NLT). Join me next week when we discuss, “Why People
are Returning to Church”. Until next week may God bless you and your family.
Reference:
Levings, K. (2012). Ten reasons why people leave and why
they're coming back. Colorado Springs: Outreach Publishing.
Send comments or question to
"eturnerreachingout@gmail.com
