Is the Decline in Reformed Church Attendance and Engagement the Result of a Crisis in Missional Discipleship?
Yes, the decline in Reformed church attendance and engagement is heavily attributed to a crisis in missional discipleship—specifically a shift away from equipping members for active ministry and toward a consumer-driven model. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
While demographic factors (aging congregations, low birth rates) play a role, research suggests that the lack of intentional, disciple-making disciple-ship is a primary cause for declining numbers. [1, 2, 3]
Core Reasons for the Decline
- Discipleship Deficit: Many churches have lost sight of what it means to equip believers, leading to a maturity crisis rather than just a programming issue. Only 29% of pastors regularly assess discipleship progress in their churches.
- Consumer Mentality: Churches have often treated members as "customers" rather than disciples, leading to a preference for comfort over engagement.
- "Seated" vs. "Sent": A shift from a "sent" mentality (missional engagement) to a "seated" mentality (internal focus) has weakened churches' impact on their communities.
- Lack of Internalization: Many believers possess a "cultural Christianity" that accepts doctrine but lacks the spiritual zeal or life-change associated with active, missional living.
- Retention Issues: Reformed churches in particular struggle to retain their youth into adulthood, with studies suggesting they retain only 34% of their youth. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
The Role of Missional Discipleship
The decline is often not a problem of having too few programs, but rather a shortage of "disciplers" to make other disciples. Missional discipleship, which emphasizes living as a follower of Jesus in every area of life, is seen as crucial for reversing this trend, moving from an inward focus to a sacrificial, kingdom-advancing focus. [, 3]
Other Contributing Factors
- Demographic Change: Aging congregations where deaths are not being replaced by new believers.
- Secularization: Increasing polarization and secularization in society affect church participation.
- Cultural Christianity: Many who identify as Christiansteachings or do not internalize them. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Despite these challenges, some branches of the Reformed tradition, such as the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) have shown different trends, with some areas experiencing growth while others see decline, often highlighting the struggle between maintaining orthodox theology and engaging in active evangelism. [1, 2]
N.B. Whenever we get away from God and His Word, all sorts of evil can follow. Our drifting away from God and His Word may be slow and imperceptible, with the ultimate results affecting a future generation. We must continually call our church back to God and work toward the establishment of God’s moral and spiritual reign in the heart of every person.
The tendency for all to get away from God and His Word is universal, the result of our fallen nature and Satan taking advantage of this inherent flaw. We can overcome it only by God’s wisdom (if we ask Him), and the Holy Spirit’s power and presence in our lives.
