Three Resources for Reaching the Dechurched

At the 2024 Transform Minnesota Leadership Summit, pastor Jim Davis presented on research from the book he co-authored with Michael Graham, The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back. Described as the largest religious shift in American history, this mass exodus is affecting churches like yours around the country. 

The good news from this presentation is that more than half of dechurched evangelicals are willing to return to church today! In many cases, the only step to get these people to a church is to invite them! Think about ways to empower your members to be the first line of welcome for new community members. Also, stay connected with congregants who move and walk with them as they search for a new church.  

Some commonalities connect the people who need more time before returning to a church. With more than half of the dechurched leaving by age 25, find ways to better engage youth and young adults. Also, this group wants to know that a church is focused on sound doctrine, spiritual formation, and taking ethics seriously.  

These are just a few of the things your church can think about while navigating this religious shift! Check out the resources below to learn even more about reaching the dechurched around you: 

The Great Dechurching 

As mentioned above, The Great Dechurching analyzes the research from the dechurching study. Learn more about the profiles of people who are leaving; discover additional ways to engage the dechurched; and go through the lessons the Church can take from this shift. 

Looking for a summary? Try these articles: What Is the Great Dechurching? | 5 Misconceptions About Dechurching in America | Prevent Dechurching: 3 Critical Questions Your Church Should Ask  

As In Heaven, Season 3 

Hosted by Jim Davis, the As In Heaven podcast used its third season to cover various aspects of the dechurching shift in the United States. Topics range from learning how we got to this place and why people left to specifics about effective preaching, ministry practices, and ways to engage the dechurched. 

Also: Check out this episode of Carey Nieuwhof’s podcast where Jim Davis discusses The Great Dechurching 

The Rechurching Toolkit 

The Rechurching Toolkit contains 20 of the “most actionable insights” from the dechurching research, providing specific steps your congregation can take to help bring the dechurched back to a church this Sunday.