God’s Church? More people claim no affiliation, what to do?

A recent poll says fewer people attend any church.

If fewer people are going to church, should the church change its approach to the Gospel?

Well, that depends. Is the church already following the Lord’s guidance? In that case, there is no pressing need for the church to change. But if a church has strayed from God’s path, then change is required. Most believers are familiar with an old adage.

“The church is not a building, the church is the people.”

And those people must trust in Christ’s sacrifice. They must claim their dependence upon God for righteousness and eternal salvation.

But they can meet in a field, a home, an old theatre, at the side of a river, or under the shade of a tree. It doesn’t matter where they meet. Buildings or fine facilities don’t make the church. It’s the people.

So, as I mentioned, a recent poll tells the story of a changing culture in America. Fewer people are attending those buildings where Church people meet. Should that be a concern?

Here’s the poll with a link to the article.

Fewer Americans affiliated with a religion

And a quote from the article.

Americans who have no religious affiliation now make up the second-largest group in the nation, only behind Evangelical Protestants. A new survey by the Pew Forum on Religion in Public Life found that people who do not identify with any religion make up 22.8% of the population, up from 16.1% in 2007.

It should not surprise us if a culture turns its back on God. What culture hasn’t? The true people of God are always in the minority. When the early Church suffered persecution, it grew. They grew in numbers. But more importantly, they matured and grew in their trust in God.

How should leadership respond?

• Preach the Gospel to every person

Mark 16:15

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

• Follow the example of Christ. Put less interest in Church-growth seminars. 

Isaiah 61:1

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.

• Trust in God. It’s his work to save the lost.

Romans 1:16

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

• Understand that time is of the utmost importance.

Mark 1:15

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

• Don’t be surprised if you are hated. Jesus warned the early Church. He said, “You will suffer persecution.”

2 Corinthians 4:4

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

• The Church is not alone in the work of preaching the Gospel

Revelation 14:6

Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth – to every nation, tribe, language, and people.

Let’s not worry about changing cultures or less attendance on Sunday morning. Just stick to the plan, and trust God for the results.

What has happened to the Church in Europe?

Don’t fall asleep.

Will the Church enter the Tribulation?

The ClayWriter

In this story, a modern-day Samuel sees is called to effect change in a changing culture.

Would you do?

Get the book here.