The Gathered Church

Pastors have always realized that there will be large numbers at church on Easter Sunday, and it has nothing to do with them. Of course, this was not true last year, and it was not true this year. Although some churches were able to meet again physically, many more were involved in worship online, as they have been for the last 14 months.

Despite everything, Easter happened. God’s people celebrated the Resurrection in church buildings, open spaces, and their homes. The physical numbers were not important; they never have been. Numbers don’t valid the message. If we are depending on larger numbers of believers gathering in worship to be a testimony to faith, we are fighting a losing battle.

A recent Gallup study reported that church membership in the United States has fallen below fifty percent for the first time. Whether conservative, moderate, or liberal, all churches have reported a decline in membership. The same is true whatever one’s political affiliation, education, ethnicity, or gender. It is true for Protestants and Catholics. The decline is reflected in all areas of the population. Of course, it also mirrors church attendance.

A significant driver is the number of Americans indicating no religious affiliation whatsoever, but the number with an expressed preference have chosen not to join a religious institution as well. Gallup observes that other studies show that the decline in affiliation is true with Jews and Muslims, too.

Where’s the good news in this? For one thing, “membership” is no longer a meaningful term for many Americans whether it relates to churches, civic organizations, or unions. For another, “institutions” have a bad rap and some of the biggest institutions in our society have been churches. People are reassessing what’s important in life. They are looking for hope and purpose. Perhaps it’s time for us to get back to what the faith is all about—a message of grace embodied in love of neighbor, justice, caring, hospitality, and equity.

The show’s not over, but it might be time for a new approach. The Easter message is real and relevant. How will we share it?

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