by Steve Higginbotham
If you travel much you will soon realize that church attendance on Sunday and Wednesday nights is in a free fall!
So what is the problem? Why is there such a dropoff in numbers? Typically, when this question is asked, we begin blaming the “non-attenders” for their spiritual immaturity, misplaced priorities, lack of commitment, etc. While the “non-attenders” make themselves easy marks, there is plenty of blame to go around. Seldom is the leadership blamed, but that might be part of the problem. Consider these seldom acknowledged reasons for poor attendance.
Quality. If we are going to offer a mid-week Bible study following what, for many members was a long, hard day at work, we had better guarantee that what we are offering is worth their investment of time and energy. Ill-prepared teachers, irrelevant studies that lack personal application, and a format that discourages questions and dialogue all contribute to a decline in attendance. Midweek attendance should be more than just a “test of faithfulness” (You know, Abraham had to offer up his son, and I have to sit through this class).
Abuse of Time. Homework and bedtime schedules compete with mid-week evening Bible studies. That’s why it’s important to respect everyone’s time. Habitually going 15-30 minutes longer than scheduled will especially negatively impact families with young children. We cannot ask for an hour of a person’s time and habitually take an hour and a half. Starting and stopping on time is a matter of respect, and when it is violated, it is resented, and that resentment is expressed through lack of attendance.
Relationship/Community. I have visited churches that “cleared out” and “locked up” in 10-15 minutes after church is over. Pity the person standing in the path to the exit doors! In such congregations, it is highly unlikely that relationships are being built; burdens are being communicated and shared; and love and concern is being expressed for one another. This lack of time together and fellowship is a recipe for a declining, dying church! On the other hand, a church that routinely has dozens of people talking an hour to two hours after services have ended, is usually healthy and meeting the needs of people who need relationship and community.
Ruts/Tradition.
I’ll be the first to admit that I like my “ruts” but I’ll also be the first to admit that times change and so must our traditions. We have at our disposal, methods of communication and teaching that were not available to prior generations. Don’t be wedded to your traditions. Can we truly say what Paul said, “I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22)? Or would the following be more truthful, “I have become some things to all men, so that I may by some means, save some?”
Lack of Assessment & Accountability. When is the last time we assessed what we are doing and how well we are doing it? Are we merely maintaining what was handed down to us? Have we questioned whether certain methods work or not? Have we assessed what might work best for us, and not overly concern ourselves with what works at other congregations? We should always “inspect” what we “expect.” If we have expectations for Bible study, then we should inspect how it is being done and assess where we need to make improvements. Where there is no assessment and accountability, quality wains.
As I stated, the “non-attenders” are easy marks. They’re easy to blame. What’s more difficult to admit is that we “attenders” may have some blame to share as well. If we “attenders” would address some of the items listed above, maybe this would go a long way in removing obstacles from the path of “non-attenders” and help them to grow to a place where their faith is stronger, their priorities are more God-centered, and their commitment is greater.