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United Campus Ministry papers, 1970-1972

1971-12-28 'Survey Gives Reasons For Church 'Dropouts''

Des Moines Register
Tues., Dec. 28, 1971

Page 7
Survey Gives Reasons For Church 'Dropouts'
By Dan L. Thrapp
c 1971 Los Angeles Times 

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. - When people drop out of church it is not due to the institution's involvement in social issues or similar dissatisfaction, but because the church has ceased to be important to them, a survey in the United States and Canada shows.

   Many people, as an excuse gor no longer attending services, say the church is "too activist," or "too involved," or is taking on interests at variance with the gospel.
   But these people often are rationalizing - digging for an excuse to cover up a general lag in interest in spiritual matters - the survey suggests.

3,500 Interviews
   This and other information was elicited from 3,500 in-depth interviews as 21 denominations in the United States and Canada over a two-year period.  The results were summarized by the NAtional Council of Churches, which, however, did not conduct or sponsor the survey. 
   Despite the findings about why people drift away from the church, pastors and laymen interviewed expressed faith in the future of organized religion.
   Rated least important in reasons why people leave organized religion were "social involvement of the church, doctrinal differences, and inadequate church facilities."
   Rather, they drift away, according to most pastors queried, because of a feeling that "the church is not important in modern life," or lack of time or a compensating interest in other organizations in the community - in other words, they do not feels that what the church offers them today was much meaning.
   Most of these questioned said they believed the major funcion of the local church is winning others to Christ and providing worship for members. Moderns churches often forget theses basic responsabilities, they said. 
   The study also sought to obtain a profile of theological beliefs, "psychological orientations" and resons why people support - or do not support - their churches.
   Most ministers and laymen believe that the denomination thay belong to is important and deserves financial support. 
   But they aldo feel that the money they give or transmit to denominational headquarters generally should be labeled for some specific objective, such as for the training of ministers or the support of home or foreign missions.
   However, even though church members sometimes disapprove of the things their national leaders do with contributions, most do not believe that with-holding their donations is the answer. 
   Fewer than one-fourth of the respondents felt strongly enough about their disagreement with denominational policies to wish to keep their donations within the local area. 

Why Give?
Why do people give? 
   On this central question, the survey showed that most people give because of a sense of gratitude to God and a religious awareness of the privilege of being able to share.
   Most sais they thought giving was an intimate part of religious worship. Placing cash or a check on an offering plate is more satisfying, most felt, than signing a pledge and giving by mail. 
   One reason for undertaking the study was a need felt by denominational leaders to become more sensitive to the views and needs of local ministers and the laity.
   The resulting data may be reflected in a new church programs and services being shaped.

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Des Moines Register Tues., Dec. 28, 1971 Page 7 Survey Gives Reasons For Church 'Dropouts' By Dan L. Thrapp c 1971 Los Angeles Times LOS ANGELES, CALIF. - When people drop out of church it is not due to the institution's involvement in social issues or similar dissatisfaction, but because the church has ceased to be important to them, a survey in the United States and Canada shows. Many people, as an excuse gor no longer attending services, say the church is "too activist," or "too involved," or is taking on interests at variance with the gospel. But these people often are rationalizing - digging for an excuse to cover up a general lag in interest in spiritual matters - the survey suggests. 3,500 Interviews This and other information was elicited from 3,500 in-depth interviews as 21 denominations in the United States and Canada over a two-year period. The results were summarized by the NAtional Council of Churches, which, however, did not conduct or sponsor the survey. Despite the findings about why people drift away from the church, pastors and laymen interviewed expressed faith in the future of organized religion. Rated least important in reasons why people leave organized religion were "social involvement of the church, doctrinal differences, and inadequate church facilities." Rather, they drift away, according to most pastors queried, because of a feeling that "the church is not important in modern life," or lack of time or a compensating interest in other organizations in the community - in other words, they do not feels that what the church offers them today was much meaning. Most of these questioned said they believed the major funcion of the local church is winning others to Christ and providing worship for members. Moderns churches often forget theses basic responsabilities, they said. The study also sought to obtain a profile of theological beliefs, "psychological orientations" and resons why people support - or do not support - their churches. Most ministers and laymen believe that the denomination thay belong to is important and deserves financial support. But they aldo feel that the money they give or transmit to denominational headquarters generally should be labeled for some specific objective, such as for the training of ministers or the support of home or foreign missions. However, even though church members sometimes disapprove of the things their national leaders do with contributions, most do not believe that with-holding their donations is the answer. Fewer than one-fourth of the respondents felt strongly enough about their disagreement with denominational policies to wish to keep their donations within the local area. Why Give? Why do people give? On this central question, the survey showed that most people give because of a sense of gratitude to God and a religious awareness of the privilege of being able to share. Most sais they thought giving was an intimate part of religious worship. Placing cash or a check on an offering plate is more satisfying, most felt, than signing a pledge and giving by mail. One reason for undertaking the study was a need felt by denominational leaders to become more sensitive to the views and needs of local ministers and the laity. The resulting data may be reflected in a new church programs and services being shaped.