As America grows increasingly secular, frequent church attendance has begun to phase out. Skepticism and apathy are prevalent, and in the youngest generation, more and more people claim to be irreligious. Now, with the world in only a semi-functioning state, churches have had to create new ways to reach both their congregation and nonchristians. But no one has found a one-size fits all approach to address the simple fact that without a congregation in person, some people are not getting their typical spiritual nourishment, and some churches are not getting their necessary donations.
Many churches have already closed their doors permanently. According to Barna, as many as 20% of churches could close in the next year. The future requires creativity and innovation, so that a solution can be found. And although it may be necessary now, the livestreaming option is not sufficient. A LifeWay Research survey shows that 41% of churches have not been able to put their service online in any form. That leaves the small churches without any form of service, because they lack the technology. A consequence of this decline is that one in three Christians has stopped attending church altogether.
Churches are faltering and Christians are faltering. The two are so intrinsically linked that their future will likely be the same. But what people need, now more than ever, is the community that is the church. It is far easier for a church to be a gathering place for Christians than a place that actively engages with the world. As safely as possible and as earnestly as possible, churches need to get involved in their community and be in their world. The church offers hope, and that is exactly what people need right now.
I agree that it is crucial for churches to continue to engage and find innovative ways to stay open and allow people to still at least virtually attend, so that they are getting a weekly supplement of guidance from God in the sermons. I think this is a good time right now to encourage alone time with God too though because life is so hectic at the moment and people need their daily dose of closeness with God outside of a once a week thing on sundays
The statistic you bring up reminds us that not all churches are able to smoothly transition to an online medium. Some churches may not have the expertise and training in order to do so and that could be a mission area of need.
This article is full of truth and unfortunately really upsetting. I personally have felt this in my own life and am sad to admit that it is true. I agree though that innovation is important and necessary. I am excited to see where things go from here!