Church isn't as popular anymore.

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?

 

Church isn't as popular anymore.

 

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.


Comments

4 responses to “God’s Church? More people claim no affiliation, what to do?”

  1. Aloha, Doug, you may know that this is nothing new. Churches have been emptying out for quite a while in America and great cathedrals of the world. There are few places where Christians are zealous for the Lord, and many of them are hunted down and persecuted. I have been to some of these hidden places where believers meet.

    The problem is that many ministers are not preaching the gospel- the gospel of salvation, but other another gospel, their version of the gospel. These ministers of the gospel preach sermons that tickle the ears of people and the programs are aimed at entertainment and good feelings to keep them coming and dropping their tithes and offerings into the offering basket. Even then, only the charismatic mega churches may seem to draw people in. The folks will come and go when they find out that most sermons include hustling $ for various causes while their leaders often fill their pockets like the rich and famous, which they become like and live like. Church attendance is not a good thing for most people to find faith in God or to grow in faith and trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

    1. Doug Drake Avatar
      Doug Drake

      Aloha Liz,
      I agree with you. There is too much “tickling of the ears” and entertainment in our churches. Some of it has value. I think it’s fair to say that, but most of it has one purpose in mind.
      Get more wallets in the pews so we can keep the doors open and the bills paid

      The Church is supposed to be God’s Bride, His voice, and messenger in the world among other things.
      Jesus promised persecution, not free donuts and coffee, though free donuts and coffee will keep the people coming back.
      History has proven that persecution strengthens the church better than the feel-good messages and handouts

  2. Amen! That’s why God’s Sovereignty is of such comfort to me.

    1. Doug Drake Avatar
      Doug Drake

      I say Amen to your Amen.
      We can and should hold on to our trust in God’s will and purpose.
      Let the world turn their backs on God and the church.
      As we read in Joshua
      “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

      Judgment must begin in the house of the Lord.

      As the Apostle John wrote, “They departed from us because they were not of us.”

      Though the world should turn against us

      We hold to God’s truth, not what the world offers

Let me know what you think.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from The Revelation Road

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading