Carey Nieuwhof has been producing a podcast for church leaders and has been on my radio program. A few months ago, I quoted him because he documented that the current percentages for church attendance are inflated. His more recent podcast not only documents that Evangelicals aren’t attending church but also provides reasons why many churches are losing members.

He quotes from a researcher who concludes that there are as many nonattending self-described Evangelicals as there are Mainline Christians in America. He says this marks a seismic shift in how the church will do ministry. Of course, the goal of discipleship isn’t church attendance, but it certainly should be considered a first step.

He provides three reasons churches are losing members. First is greater affluence. Americans with money have options such as technology options, travel options, and options for their kids. He doesn’t say this, but I would add the impact of team sports that often has families on the road to attend games instead of going to church.

A second reason is self-directed spirituality. People are looking less to churches and leaders to help them grow spiritually. He uses a good illustration. No parent makes a visit to a doctor’s office without checking the symptoms online. Before buying a car, they will probably research it online. A third reason people are attending church less often is their failure to see any direct benefit. People always make time for the things they value most.

He isn’t advocating for churches to do more promotion, especially since the youngest generation is sick of hype. Adding more high-tech AV in the church service isn’t the answer. People, instead, are looking for more authenticity and community.