Why people avoid church?

Last weekend most people in America avoided church. And, a sizable portion of those who did make it to church wished they were somewhere else. But why?

Their reasons center around four recurring themes:

-“Church people judge me.” 

A young woman told me that as a child she regularly attended church and Sunday school. But she’s given up on the church as an adult. “They make me feel like an outcast,” she said. “How? Why?” I asked. “Well, I’m a smoker,” she said.

-“I don’t want to be considered dumb if I don't understand something."

More people today want to ask about things they don't understand without feeling dumb. A man told me he’s talked with others who’ve given up on church. He said, “People don’t want to sit in a room and idly listen to some preacher or teacher talk about things they don't understand. They want to ask questions about things they are unsure of and not be regarded as dumb."

-“They’re a bunch of hypocrites.” 

I know church leaders are weary of this “excuse.” But people aren’t merely referring to incongruous behavior. What bothers them is the sense that church spokespeople act like they have all the answers. That they’ve arrived. That they’re only interested in telling others what to do—“teaching,” to use the church vernacular.

-“I don’t want religion. I want God.” 

Many people don’t experience God at church. They’re not looking for the “deep” theological trivia that seems to interest some preachers. They crave something very simple. They’re dying to be reassured that God is real, that he is more than a historical figure, that he is present today, and that he is active in the lives of people around them.

Those of us who remain in this imperfect gathering of the faithful need to stop talking and “teaching” long enough to listen to the majority outside our walls. I’m not suggesting their views are flawless or that we should design ministry merely according to consumer whims. But we do need to keep our ultimate goal in mind, which is to help bring others into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

That’s what defined the ministry of Jesus himself. He boldly broke away from the habits and routines of the religious elite of the time. And he fashioned a highly relational ministry that connected with the disenfranchised.

Despite what many think about the Church of God because of past perceptions, here's our motto for today:

-You’re welcome just as you are.

-Your thoughts are welcome. Your doubts are welcome.

-We’re all in this together.

-God is here, ready to connect with you in a fresh way.