What does dwindling church attendance mean?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You know, the word "indoctrination" appearing in your post strongly indicates you aren't asking this question in good faith.

Based on what I've heard within the church about this phenomenon, it means that the people who are still regularly attending - and don't underestimate our numbers - are more committed to their faith. The irregular attendees are the ones who have stopped coming, but they weren't doing much other than filling pews before. While we would rather people be there than not, because we think it's good for them, the people who were there whenever the doors opened are still there. The pastors are still diligently crafting sermons. The ministries are still happening.

One phenomenon that is hard about this for those who are still around, though, is church consolidation. My own church folded in 2021. Others have merged in the past few years into other churches. Fewer people in pews does mean fewer churches can exist.

Religion is indoctrination it’s in the definition of the word.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, the word "indoctrination" appearing in your post strongly indicates you aren't asking this question in good faith.

Based on what I've heard within the church about this phenomenon, it means that the people who are still regularly attending - and don't underestimate our numbers - are more committed to their faith. The irregular attendees are the ones who have stopped coming, but they weren't doing much other than filling pews before. While we would rather people be there than not, because we think it's good for them, the people who were there whenever the doors opened are still there. The pastors are still diligently crafting sermons. The ministries are still happening.

One phenomenon that is hard about this for those who are still around, though, is church consolidation. My own church folded in 2021. Others have merged in the past few years into other churches. Fewer people in pews does mean fewer churches can exist.

Religion is indoctrination it’s in the definition of the word.

DP. No it is not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, the word "indoctrination" appearing in your post strongly indicates you aren't asking this question in good faith.

Based on what I've heard within the church about this phenomenon, it means that the people who are still regularly attending - and don't underestimate our numbers - are more committed to their faith. The irregular attendees are the ones who have stopped coming, but they weren't doing much other than filling pews before. While we would rather people be there than not, because we think it's good for them, the people who were there whenever the doors opened are still there. The pastors are still diligently crafting sermons. The ministries are still happening.

One phenomenon that is hard about this for those who are still around, though, is church consolidation. My own church folded in 2021. Others have merged in the past few years into other churches. Fewer people in pews does mean fewer churches can exist.

Religion is indoctrination it’s in the definition of the word.

DP. No it is not.

Are you saying that there are not things that you have to believe? Like Jesus died on the Cross? (There's no proof of it)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, the word "indoctrination" appearing in your post strongly indicates you aren't asking this question in good faith.

Based on what I've heard within the church about this phenomenon, it means that the people who are still regularly attending - and don't underestimate our numbers - are more committed to their faith. The irregular attendees are the ones who have stopped coming, but they weren't doing much other than filling pews before. While we would rather people be there than not, because we think it's good for them, the people who were there whenever the doors opened are still there. The pastors are still diligently crafting sermons. The ministries are still happening.

One phenomenon that is hard about this for those who are still around, though, is church consolidation. My own church folded in 2021. Others have merged in the past few years into other churches. Fewer people in pews does mean fewer churches can exist.

Religion is indoctrination it’s in the definition of the word.

DP. No it is not.

Are you saying that there are not things that you have to believe? Like Jesus died on the Cross? (There's no proof of it)

You said that "it is in the definition of the word". I am saying that it is not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, the word "indoctrination" appearing in your post strongly indicates you aren't asking this question in good faith.

Based on what I've heard within the church about this phenomenon, it means that the people who are still regularly attending - and don't underestimate our numbers - are more committed to their faith. The irregular attendees are the ones who have stopped coming, but they weren't doing much other than filling pews before. While we would rather people be there than not, because we think it's good for them, the people who were there whenever the doors opened are still there. The pastors are still diligently crafting sermons. The ministries are still happening.

One phenomenon that is hard about this for those who are still around, though, is church consolidation. My own church folded in 2021. Others have merged in the past few years into other churches. Fewer people in pews does mean fewer churches can exist.

Religion is indoctrination it’s in the definition of the word.

DP. No it is not.

Are you saying that there are not things that you have to believe? Like Jesus died on the Cross? (There's no proof of it)

You said that "it is in the definition of the word". I am saying that it is not.

So all you're saying is that indoctrination is not in the definition of the word religion?

Google says this is the best definition of religion: "a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs."

Guess you're right -- so what?