“Chance favors the prepared mind.” (Louis Pasteur, 1854)

Recent surveys among American church-goers further convince me of the need for careful, creative, strategic thinking from our pastors and other key leaders these days. One of those from back in the early spring revealed that among “regular worship attendees” (defined as monthly worship attendance; pre-Covid, that was about 67% of respondents), only 27% – fewer than half!- have returned to church for in-person Sunday-morning worship……a very concerning statistic, considering that six months earlier – when the Covid numbers were surging and hospitals were full – the percentage was almost exactly the same (Christian Century, 4-20-22)!  In other words: despite the far lessening threat of the virus this spring, our worshipers are not returning….a pattern which I have experienced personally (and heard anecdotally) throughout the District.  Another study specifically among Episcopalians in the USA verifies a similar reality: when churchgoers were asked how the pandemic has affected their involvement in activities of organized religion, 37% admitted that their participation has significantly decreased (ibid, 4/6/22).  

I do not choose to believe that we have lost these worshipers altogether, nor do I change my opinion that NOW is an exceptionally fine time for the church to reach out with its message of hope and salvation – quite the contrary!  But this missional success will not happen on its own, and it will not occur if we simply continue “business-as-usual” and wait for folks to return. We’re two years older than we were at the start of the pandemic; many of our “regulars” have gotten (even) older, or moved away, or died. And the pipeline for new members/attendees has largely gone dry since our doors were closed or only nominally open since March of ’20. 

I well-understand that everyone is fatigued, but I urge you to focus on “what’s new” these days…and to strategize, dream, pray about the proven measures which will re-vitalize the movement in your neighborhood.  How CAN we (1) increase worship attendance, (2) make new disciples, (3) strengthen small groups, (4) activate community ministry, and (5) increase our giving to missions? I believe that the non-believing world will be attracted to vibrant local churches – that has always been my passion – and I believe that these measures will drive successful transformation. But it won’t happen on its own….

It’s not by chance that some churches grow. Careful, creative, strategic planning among our leaders will light the way. 

Be prepared!  And let me know how I can help.   ~ Steve