Weird Religion

120 THE DECHURCHING (the stunning story of why people have left church)

Dec 6, 2023

Guest Ryan, author of The Great Dechurching, discusses the stunning number of people leaving their faith communities, especially in America. The podcast explores the reasons behind this trend, challenges common beliefs, and suggests solutions to retain members.

30:22

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Episode guests

Ryan

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Quick takeaways

Approximately 40 million Americans have left their faith communities over the past few decades, surpassing the number of converts from significant historical religious movements.

Contrary to assumptions, a significant portion of those who left their faith communities did so casually, due to lifestyle changes or a desire for leisure activities, rather than conflicts or cultural issues.

Deep dives

The significant number of Americans leaving faith communities

Based on new research conducted by Ryan Burge and his co-authors, it has been found that over the past couple of decades, the number of Americans leaving their faith communities has exceeded the combined converts of historically significant religious movements such as the first and second great awakenings, as well as the Billy Graham Crusades. This figure amounts to approximately 40 million Americans, predominantly in the realm of Christianity. The research highlights the scale and impact of this phenomenon.

Introduction

4min

Measuring Church Attendance and the First Great Awakening

2min

Revivalism in the 18th and 19th Centuries

6min

The Methodists' Method and the Influence on American Expansion

2min

The Wesley Brothers, Whitfield, Cotton Mather, and the Impact on American Religion

3min

Understanding the Phenomenon of People Leaving Church

13min

One of the biggest religious storylines of 2023 has been: the huge number of people leaving their faith communities. Because Christianity is the #1 by volume religion in America, the loss has been felt heaviest there. Why has this been happening? And how many have left? A new book shares the latest research, and the data may shock you (= clickbait)!!! We review and comment and teach.

The Great Dechurching (new book): https://www.amazon.com/Great-Dechurching-Leaving-Going-Bring/dp/0310147433

Ryan Burge, PhD: http://ryanburge.net/

Ryan Burge substack, “Graphs About Religion”: https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/

“Good Faith” podcast interview with Great Dechurching author Michael Graham: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-great-dechurching-with-david-french-and-michael-graham/id1594454747?i=1000631285992

Peter’s Choi’s book on George Whitefield: https://www.amazon.com/George-Whitefield-Evangelist-Religious-Biography/dp/0802875491

Buck Williams: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buck_Williams