Church attendance

[Mule 11]

I’ve noticed a decline of activity every Sunday. Don’t forget to say a prayer for kamela  and her running mate tim as I’m sure they need some help after the severe spanking they received in November.

[Lloyd Smale]

when i was a small kid many of the men had to stand up in the back. when i got out of the service in the early 80s it was pretty much full with a few emtpy spots, today other than Easter and Christmas on a good sunday only a 1/4 of the church is full and one time i counted only 54 people. out of them 90 percent were over 70. Sad thing is it seems to be getting worse. at one time our parish had the main church and 2 small ones in smaller towns, now those are closed. seems few or none of those people were willing to drive 15 miles to attend the main church. unless something changes ill be driving 60 miles on sunday to the church where our bishop preaches and hes a liberal but kisser that pushes anything the pope says. probably wont be much different for me. the priest we have now is from africa and i can understand about a 1/4 of what hes says so i just tune him out, go through the motions and pray on my own, guess i can do the same with that lib bishop.

[DDZ]

Many churches are struggling with attendance, as is our own little church. Before covid we had 35 to 40 attending. With a post covid pastor change we were averaging around 15. The pastor tried his best to increase attendance, but nothing much worked. Even started an online viewing of the service, which I never agreed with completely. I always thought it gave people the opportunity to just lay on their couch, drink coffee, and watch the service on tv, instead of having to get dressed and go to church to fellowship with others. Another problem is the church is in the middle of a old small mining town where the people that live there are mostly older folks, and set in their ways. Outside of that town people would have to drive a little distance to get there, which many don't care to do.
Just recently we removed ourselves form a denomination, and are now nondenominational. We also have a new pastor, and attendance has been growing. We are now averaging around 25. Many churches are failing due to being able to find a pastor. Just are not many people stepping up into that role anymore. Plus smaller churches can not afford to pay someone very much to be the pastor.  The person we have now has been a long time member, and elder who has agreed to step up and lead us in worship.     

[Dixie-Dude]

I think smaller churches are loosing attendance because of the mega churches.  Smaller churches almost always require everyone to work at something.  Larger churches have a lot of members who do nothing but go to get entertained.  They do have sub groups.  Also, larger churches have more activities for children and teens, thus attracting a lot of families.  Smaller churches seem to have a lot of older people but not a lot of young people.  90% of people who are saved, get saved as teens or young adults. 

Also, with the push by the left, colleges, etc, evolution, socialism, etc. There are a lot of people who do not value human life and that there is a higher power to give an account to as to how they lived. 

We had higher church attendance after the Great Depression and WWII than at any other time except maybe the Civil War and the Great Awakening period in American History.  We haven't had a major war or a depression in a long time to humble Americans. 

[Land_Owner]

I sing in the choir, 3 services every weekend. I face the congregation. It is not at all difficult to see in the faces of the families who are struggling. Interestingly, children do not bring couples closer together. In a lot of instances, marriage does not bring a couple closer together. Argue with me about these points if you wish.


My thinking is that a woman who is actively seeking a life partner is much more flirtatious and comely to her chosen partner until she has succeeded in securing the promise of marriage, at which point she may then change her focus from trying to catch a man to making a home and a family. Children, on the other hand tend to drive a wedge between couples in their different aspects to parenting. Of course, financial stability, plays its part in the drama of family dynamics.

Church is where we go to replenish several necessary wells, in our souls. The first of which is love for fellow man, the second is a deep and binding faith in a power that is second to none, and is also not us. We go to church to replenish hope with charity, that, except for the grace of God there goes I. Conditions could be a lot worse. I am thankful to be alive and to have the talents and grace that I have been given.

[DDZ]

I think smaller churches are loosing attendance because of the mega churches.  Smaller churches almost always require everyone to work at something.  Larger churches have a lot of members who do nothing but go to get entertained.  They do have sub groups.  Also, larger churches have more activities for children and teens, thus attracting a lot of families.  Smaller churches seem to have a lot of older people but not a lot of young people.  90% of people who are saved, get saved as teens or young adults. 

Also, with the push by the left, colleges, etc, evolution, socialism, etc. There are a lot of people who do not value human life and that there is a higher power to give an account to as to how they lived. 

We had higher church attendance after the Great Depression and WWII than at any other time except maybe the Civil War and the Great Awakening period in American History.  We haven't had a major war or a depression in a long time to humble Americans.

I agree. Many people want to just go to church on Sunday morning, leave, and not have anything to do with the church until the next time they attend. Going to one of the large churches people can easily do that. Go on Sunday get entertained, and then have nothing do do with the functioning of the church. I think its a reason many won't attend a small church. They feel they will most likely be asked to get involved. Even in small churches there are a number of people that mostly refuse to do anything. Its always the same people that keep the wheels turning. Kind of like society in general. Some pulling the cart, and some, riding in it.   

[Bob Riebe]

I sing in the choir, 3 services every weekend. I face the congregation. It is not at all difficult to see in the faces of the families who are struggling. Interestingly, children do not bring couples closer together. In a lot of instances, marriage does not bring a couple closer together. Argue with me about these points if you wish.

Church is where we go to replenish several necessary wells, in our souls. The first of which is love for fellow man, the second is a deep and binding faith in a power that is second to none, and is also not us. We go to church to replenish hope with charity, that, except for the grace of God there goes I. Conditions could be a lot worse. I am thankful to be alive and to have the talents and grace that I have been given.

Church is where we go to replenish several necessary wells, in our souls. The first of which is love for fellow man, the second is a deep and binding faith in a power that is second to none, -- Those two should be reversed; failure of most of society to do that is why the church is not as strong as it once was.

Put God first and all else will fall in place; for me going to church has always been going their to commune with ans worship out Lord.
I do not go to socialize, if that happens fine, if it does not, I could not care less.

[Lloyd Smale]

dont know but there isnt a mega church i know of north of detroit and thats near 400 miles from here and our church's is fizzling and some of it because people werent willing to drive 20 miles.

[Dee]

Taught a class last Saturday to an Independent Baptist Church security team concerning active shooters, and tactics in not only church security,  but also security tactics to neutralize the attack should one occur.
Never been to, or heard of this church in Amarillo, Texas, but was very pleasantly surprised when I got there. It was a really pretty church with traditional pews, a large Cross over the baptistry, and all was well maintained, with an attendance ranging between 160, and 200 members each Sunday.
When I got there younger members were cleaning up the parking area in preparation for Sunday service and had finished by the time I left.
The security team which had no military, or police background, were still eager to learn and well armed, and that included the pastor.
They've asked me to come back and give an orientation type talk to the congregation at a future date concerning active shooter reaction by the congregation should one occur.
If it weren't such a long drive (55 miles one way) Linda and I might choose this church as a church home.
I was impressed with the whole organization and the members I was introduced to.

[Land_Owner]

Our Catholic Parish has been blessed for the past 8-years with a Polish Priest straight from 17-years of voluntary servive in Tanzania, Africa. Fr. Mark came to our Church following the forced retirement of our 15-year history with beloved priest Fr. Tony at 74 years old. Fr. Mark speaks 17 different languages. His worst is English subtlities.

Seven years ago, Fr. Mark was saying the offeratory in english...something he does every day. He suddenly stopped. After an extended and awkward "pregnant pause", the service resumed in English.

After church, my wife, Music Director and Church Secretary, asked Fr. if he was OK? He replied that he had forgotten what language he was preaching in that moment. He also gave a portion of a service in Swahili to the congregations request and delight.

Fr. Mark is a pious man and probably the closest to Godliness as I have had the opportunity to know well. He is truly an inspiration in human forgivness.

The fact that he is also the "Parish Business Developer/CEO/CFO/Chief Cook and Bottle Washer", used to the Tanzania Community doing anything and everything freely with a glad heart for their Parish church, Fr. Mark had an expectation that has gone unfulfilled in America.

The poor in Tanzania have no welfare. Nearly all in need who approach the church are glad hearted wanderers who ask for help sparingly and only after they have "earned it". As did Jesus, Fr. Mark would bend the Earth to prevent death to all of the poor from starvation.

He was in for a rude American experience as many of the homeless here EXPECT the church to "save" their drug and alcohol abusing asses without the least amount of thanks or "What can I do to make life at my parish church better?"

[ironglow]

Taught a class last Saturday to an Independent Baptist Church security team concerning active shooters, and tactics in not only church security,  but also security tactics to neutralize the attack should one occur.
Never been to, or heard of this church in Amarillo, Texas, but was very pleasantly surprised when I got there. It was a really pretty church with traditional pews, a large Cross over the baptistry, and all was well maintained, with an attendance ranging between 160, and 200 members each Sunday.
When I got there younger members were cleaning up the parking area in preparation for Sunday service and had finished by the time I left.
The security team which had no military, or police background, were still eager to learn and well armed, and that included the pastor.
They've asked me to come back and give an orientation type talk to the congregation at a future date concerning active shooter reaction by the congregation should one occur.
If it weren't such a long drive (55 miles one way) Linda and I might choose this church as a church home.
I was impressed with the whole organization and the members I was introduced to.

 

   Good job, Dee! our churches need security now, perhaps more than ever..and to have an experienced LEO to teach them is a real benefit !

    Our church is not receding, but actually growing..  Today we deal with a fickle public, probably spoiled by the easy communication era..(TV, movies, internet etc.).

   From my experience, sticking to a straight, literal interpretation of the Bible, means not having to compromise, or having any difficulty explaining oneself to a very curious attendee.

  Our sanctuary was quite full this past Sunday, due to 3-4 new converts and a baptism being held, and their families attending..

  ..Perhaps those families will re-attend..

  I have always held that 'participation' is important for regular attendance. you can, for those who will accept them. Delegate as many small tasks as
you can, for those members who will gladly accept them. That way, they feel more a "part' of the church and service.

  It is indeed a great to see the joy some folks get doing "their" job..    For instance... preparing the weekly bulletin, readying the communion table. passing out bulletins, ushering, or being one of the welcoming committee..

  Mega churches?  I am not interested...the personal touch between the Pastor, elders etc. with the people, cannot be beat.

  ..Besides....It seeems when a local church goes mega..they are forced into compromises, just to build a huge attendance.  IMO, no local church should grow so large, that any and every member cannot have atb the least, a few minutes to consult directly with the pastor or elders..  Anything else it seems, would be contrary to the pattern of the first century church..