Six Descriptors Of Those Who Remain (With Church)

Mark Tidsworth, Team Leader

One in Three Practicing Christians Is Still and Only Attending Their Pre-COVID Church

“Recent data show that, among practicing Christians—those who identify as Christian, agree strongly that faith is very important in their lives and attend church at least monthly (prior to COVID-19)—over half (53%) say they have streamed their regular church online within the past four weeks. Another 34 percent admits to streaming a different church service online other than their own, essentially “church hopping” digitally. Finally, about one-third of practicing Christians (32%) says they have done neither of these things. Though some of these churchgoers may be part of the minority of congregations that were still gathering for physical worship during these weeks, we can, for the most part, confidently interpret this group as those who have dropped out of church for the time being. (It should be noted, there is a segment of those who, prior to COVID-19, were not attending church and are now attending online during the pandemic—however, this group is currently too small to be considered statistically significant and is not reported on here.)”

-One in Three Practicing Christians Has Stopped Attending Church During COVID-19, Article by Barna Research on State of the Church, July 8, 2020. Found Here: https://www.barna.com/research/new-sunday-morning-part-2/

Sobering? Maybe. Do these statistics represent trends or are they exceptional? Possibly and perhaps. At this point, it’s too soon to tell what shape our churches will take as they are being reshaped through this volatile life disruption event.

I’m in touch with a few of those who are stepping back from church altogether, but I’m far more in touch with those who are engaged with their churches during these Coronavirus times. In this article I would like to describe them, thereby helping churches know what we are doing well (or not). When we understand those who remain during trying times, we gain glimpses into our core identities and primal ministries as churches. Here are six descriptors of those who remain. Few people are described by all six; most of us are a mixture of motivations and beliefs. 

1 - Those who remain see church as a covenant community

“What’s that,” one might ask? These disciples of Jesus see their commitment to their church as more than affiliation or membership. They believe they are spiritually bonded to their church, pledged to ride the river together whatever the current may be. An easy way to understand covenant is to observe its opposite; the consumeristic view many hold when it comes to church. “Maybe I’ll stay, or maybe not; depends on how it goes. We can always shop for another anytime.” A covenant understanding of church is basically the opposite of a consumeristic view of church.

2 - Those who remain are energized by the transformation opportunities for themselves and their churches inherent in this volatile event

They believe God works good from every life experience. They also believe we are called to “the renewal of our minds;” to ongoing spiritual growth. So, these disciples see volatile experiences as opportunities to expand, grow, and transform. They stay with their churches because they are excited about what’s next. They see possibilities in the swirl of dynamics at play. These disciples lean into the present and future with the Christian fruit of the Spirit called hope. 

3 - Those who remain yearn for a faith-based community gathered around the Way of Jesus

Perhaps they left church at one time, learning what it’s like to be without church community. Whether they did or not, they carry this longing to be in ongoing relationship with others who are pursuing the Way of Jesus. They want to share the journey, discuss faith matters, and grow together as Christ-followers. These disciples believe church community is where they will most likely find others who also resonate with the risen Lord, moving together into the Way of Jesus. 

4 - Those who remain see the church as an expression of God’s kingdom emerging in this world

These disciples believe God’s intent is to bring the kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. Not only do they pray this with the Lord’s Prayer, but they join God toward this end. They see themselves on mission with God, cultivating the rising kingdom of love. These disciples believe the church itself is an expression of God’s kingdom, a signpost of things to come if you will. They put their efforts into the church, believing God’s kingdom and the body of Christ are intricately linked.

5 - Those who remain are enlivened by their church’s version and expression of the gospel

After working ecumenically for over twenty years, it’s clear that every church is living its own story. When it shares the gospel, its telling includes nuance and cultural overlay making it distinct. When it lives out the gospel, the way it does what it does is uniquely formed with its own theology, culture, personalities, and context. Those who remain resonate with this, finding this opens the doors to God for them. Those who remain resonate with their church’s version and expression of the gospel.

6 - Those who remain are habitual people; too deep into the groove of church participation to change now

Perhaps this sounds like poor motivation for church participation. I’m seeing it largely as a positive, for two reasons. First, some disciples have been at this for a long time and being church is a way of life for them. These deep grooves in their way of living serve to sustain them during volatile times. Second, though a person is participating simply from habit, they are in the right place for some gospel to spill onto them. We much rather people be part of church with less noble motivation than not be part of church. Besides, that’s not ours to judge anyway. We welcome everyone; period. 

So how do disciples become these kinds of spiritual pilgrims? What are churches doing to cultivate and form people who become this way? Another subject for another article. For now, sharing these six descriptors among yourselves followed by discussion on which may describe yourselves will be a rich Christian formation opportunity. Blessings on this adventure in the Way of Jesus.