By Jeff Brumley A team of sociologists in Colorado say they were stunned recently by data showing a growing wave of once-dedicated church goers leaving their congregations. Their findings inspired the now-popular term “dones,” denoting Christians deciding to go it alone on…
5 Things I’ve Learned in 5 Weeks Out of Church
Consider this official. I am issuing an apology to every member of every church that I have served over the last 20+ years. Two weeks ago, we set a personal record that I never thought I would reach. We hit…
When It Comes to Congregational Vision May You Be With the Source
“We need to get a new pastor who will bring us vision and get us moving in the right direction”, or something similar, is the number one statement I hear from lay leaders of congregations during the transition from one…
Engaging ‘nones’ is challenging but possible, say church leaders
By Jeff Brumley American “nones”— people who claim no religious affiliation — come with a variety of stories. Some were raised without any religious education at all. Most of them have few opinions on faith and wouldn’t know the Bible…
Denominations Now Provide Fewer Resources for Congregations
Previously covered in my series is the death of the gapology framework for denominations, and the fact that money follows the information flow more than it follows the denominational channels. This post deals with the third element no longer part…
You’ve met the ‘nones.’ Now meet the ‘dones.’
By Jeff Brumley It figures. Just as churches, seminaries and congregational consultants were wrapping their heads around the concept of “the nones” in religious life, yet another term emerges for yet another category of Americans abandoning the church: “the dones.”…
Evangelism implosion
By Bill Wilson It’s time to talk about the obvious: We have a problem with evangelism. Let me explain what I mean. • “We”: All of us, regardless of theology, denomination, setting or worship style are struggling with this issue….
The secret to congregational vitality
By George Bullard The secret is really not a secret. It is well known by many congregational leaders. But they do not accept it because they are looking for a magic act that brings quick vitality without deep commitment and…
The secret to congregational vitality revealed
The secret is really not a secret. It is well known by many congregational leaders. But, they do not accept it because they are looking for a magic act that brings quick vitality without deep commitment and persistent action. Too…