Jim Davis, coauthor of 'The Great Dechurching,' discusses the largest religious shift in American history - away from religion. He explains who the dechurched are and their reasons for leaving, including surprising statistics on evangelicalism. He also explores the challenges faced by diverse individuals and strategies to invite people back to church, such as using housing and personal recommendations.
The great de-churching is a significant shift in the religious landscape, with over 40 million people leaving the church, going against the historical trend of people becoming more religious.
There are five distinct profiles of de-church individuals, including cultural Christians, mainstream de-church evangelicals, ex-fangelicals, de-church BIPOC, and de-church mainline Protestants and Catholics, each with different reasons for leaving and potential willingness to return.
Addressing the reasons for de-churching and creating an inclusive and welcoming church environment, focusing on community and relationships, are crucial in bringing de-church individuals back to a faith community.
Deep dives
Understanding the Largest Religious Shift
The podcast discusses the significant shift in the religious landscape, known as the great de-chirching, which has seen over 40 million people leaving the church in the past few decades. This shift is unique in that it goes against the historical trend of people becoming more religious. The main reasons for de-chirching vary, from moving to life transitions to disagreement with the church's politics. However, the study also highlights that not all de-church people have lost their faith, and many are open to returning to a different expression of Christianity.
Examining Different De-Church Profiles
The study identifies five distinct profiles of de-church individuals. The first group is cultural Christians who never really embraced the core beliefs of Christianity and left casually due to moving or other priorities. The second group is mainstream de-church evangelicals who have orthodox beliefs but left casually due to life transitions. The third group is ex-fangelicals, who left intentionally due to specific pain points within evangelicalism. The fourth group is de-church BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals who had a lower orthodoxy score, left due to various reasons, and are open to returning to a different type of church. The last group is de-church mainline Protestants and Catholics, who left mainly in the 90s and are similar to the other groups in their willingness to return.
Addressing the Back Door of the Church
The podcast emphasizes the importance of addressing the reasons why people are leaving the church before focusing on bringing new people in. Understanding the pain points and experiences that lead to de-churching is crucial in creating a church environment that is inclusive and welcoming. This involves examining issues such as hypocrisy, abuse, political syncretism, and the overall sense of belonging within the church community.
Embracing Community and Relationships
The study highlights the significance of community and relationships in the process of bringing de-church individuals back. Building genuine friendships, inviting people to join small groups or church events, and creating spaces of belonging are identified as key strategies in reaching out to those who have left the church. Being intentional about loving and caring for de-church individuals can make a significant impact in their willingness to consider returning to a faith community.
Finding Hope in Reconciliation
Despite the significant religious shift, there is hope for reconciliation and revitalization within the church. Many de-church individuals, regardless of their specific profile, express a willingness to return to a different expression of Christianity. This signifies an opportunity for churches to reevaluate their approaches, become more intentional in their outreach efforts, and recapture the essence of a faith community that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus.
Did you know that we’re currently living through the single largest religious shift in American history? But unlike past movements, this is the first shift away from religion. Jim Davis and his coauthor, Michael Graham, explore this phenomenon in their recent book, “The Great Dechurching.” On today’s episode, Patrick sits down with Jim to learn more about the basis for this book: the most comprehensive, qualitative survey on dechurching that’s ever been done. You’ll hear Jim explain what it means to be “dechurched,” what’s the top reason for dechurching in America (the answer may surprise you!), and what’s going on in evangelicalism? You’ll get acquainted with the five types of dechurched people: cultural Christians, dechurched mainstream evangelicals, exvangelicals, dechurched BIPOC, and dechurched mainline Protestants and Catholics. Jim breaks down the makeup of each, explaining who they are, why they left the church, and whether or not they’re willing to return. Finally, what can you do to make a difference in the lives of dechurched people today? Listen now!
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