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.

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