The Critical Point: Understanding the Decline of the Church in America

American Christianity is at a critical point. Gallup recently reported an 80-year low in American's connection to religious institutions. God's redemptive mission for the church is alive, but is the surrounding culture winning?

We see Americans disconnecting from religion in our streets and our church services.  The irreligious are increasing, church attendance is decreasing, and among the current generations, fewer young people are involved in church. Fewer young people means fewer young leaders to carry the torch of God's mission.

Aging congregations are also fueling this critical point for the Christian church in the United States. The Boomer generation began retiring twenty-five years ago. Yet, the church struggles to develop leaders and entrust leadership to younger generations. Congregations and church leadership continue to grow older and less representative of their communities. Decreasing attendance, increased aging, and a growing disconnect of generational relevance suggest that churches may have lost momentum. The Church in the United States is at a critical point.

What are you doing to develop the next generation of leaders?

Who are you preparing to receive the baton you pass?

From: Revive: Leading Change – Igniting Movement  Chapter 2