In this episode of the Replant & Revitalize Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss a sobering trend impacting many churches today: the growing number of senior adults leaving the local church. This conversation is based on Thom Rainer’s article, “The Silent Exodus of Senior Adults,” and it explores both the causes and the consequences of this shift.
As churches focus on reaching younger generations, many senior adults feel overlooked, disconnected, or unable to fully participate. This episode helps pastors and church leaders better understand the challenges aging church members face—and why retaining and caring for senior adults is essential to healthy church revitalization.
Key Reasons Senior Adults are Leaving Churches
- Since 2000, church attendance among adults age 65 and older has declined by approximately 15%
- Physical limitations such as mobility challenges, hearing loss, and vision issues make attending church more difficult
- The emotional impact of losing peers and longtime friends within the congregation
- Shifting church priorities that emphasize young families and children, often at the expense of senior adult ministry
- When senior adults leave, churches lose valuable financial support, institutional wisdom, and volunteer leadership
This episode challenges church leaders to consider how their ministry strategies, worship services, facilities, and programming communicate value—or neglect—to older members of the congregation.
Why This Matters for Church Replanting and Revitalization
Senior adults often carry deep spiritual maturity, faithfulness, and commitment to the local church. Ignoring their needs can weaken a church’s health, mission, and sustainability. This conversation equips leaders to rethink engagement, accessibility, and discipleship for aging members.
Resources Related to This Episode
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