Reclaiming Real Community: Why the Church Can't Ignore Culture's Collapse - w/ Steve Geller

May 15, 2018

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How do church decline and societal disconnection go hand in hand? In this thought-provoking conversation, Mike Erre is joined by longtime friend (and former Ohio State quarterback) Steve Geller to talk football, faith, and the unraveling of American communal life. After reliving an unforgettable moment of gridiron glory and fumble-induced infamy, the duo digs into a sobering sociology-rooted critique of modern American church decline—based on recent writing from Scott McKnight’s blog, “The Death of the Church.”

They explore why church attendance is declining, not just from spiritual apathy, but from broader cultural forces like suburban sprawl, screen saturation, and radical individualism. Mike and Steve unpack how churches have often mirrored these anti-community forces instead of countering them, and share candid stories about technology, parenting, and spiritual hunger in our hyper-fragmented age.

Key Takeaways: • Why church decline may reflect the breakdown of American community—not just bad preaching or boring worship. • How suburban sprawl, screen addiction, and a “me first” culture work as anti-community forces eroding church life. • Ways the church reinforces individualism in sermons, programs, and discipleship—even while preaching togetherness. • The spiritual power of proximity and presence: reclaiming place, community events, and shared meals as holy acts. • How churches can offer better responses to technology’s isolating effects by becoming pro-people rather than anti-tech.

Guest Highlights: Steve Geller – Former Ohio State quarterback turned educational leader and thoughtful church critic. Steve brings heartfelt reflections on Christian formation, community loss, and why the church must take a hard look at what it models today.

Resources Mentioned: • Scott McKnight’s Blog: “The Death of the Church” – [Link] • Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam – [Link] • The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch – [Link]

Let’s rethink what real church community means. Subscribe, share this episode, and join the conversation on your favorite socials. Support us on Patreon or check out our latest resources online.

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