The church is dying, but not for the reasons you think.
We keep hearing the headlines: “Church attendance is down.” “Another congregation is closing.” “Young people are leaving in droves.” It’s easy to believe that the Church is in irreversible decline.
But that’s not the whole story.
In fact, belief in Jesus is rising—especially among younger generations. According to recent Barna research, more U.S. adults now claim a personal commitment to Christ than they did just four years ago. In the UK, evangelicals are seeing more first-time commitments to faith than before the pandemic. And in a historic turn, Gen Z Catholics now outnumber Anglicans in worship attendance for the first time in centuries.
So what’s really happening?
If people are still seeking Jesus, why are they leaving the Church? The truth is, the church is dying in form, not in faith—and that’s a distinction that matters.
That question has haunted me—not just as a researcher or minister, but as someone who has served in congregations where the desire to follow Christ is alive and real, yet often buried under systems that no longer serve the mission.
I’ve just released a full-length article titled “From Decline to Discipleship: Revitalising the Church for the Next Decade”, and I want to invite you to download and read it.
This is not another doomsday report. It’s a roadmap. It’s a challenge. And it’s full of practical hope.
Why the Church Is Dying — and Why This Article Matters
The article begins with a simple but uncomfortable truth: The Church isn’t dying—but much of what we call “Church” is. Not because people have stopped believing in God, but because many of our structures have stopped reflecting Him.
The data confirms it. The hunger for spiritual truth is still there. But far too often, people are met with silence when they reach out. Emails go unanswered. Simple requests take weeks. Systems designed for another era now frustrate the very people they were meant to serve.
If you’re a leader, a lay minister, a church planter, or even just someone who cares deeply about the future of the Church—you need to read this.
What You’ll Discover
This isn’t just a diagnosis. It’s a blueprint.
From Decline to Discipleship covers:
- The paradox of rising belief but declining attendance
- Why Gen Z is still open to Jesus, but not to institutional church
- Which types of churches are growing—and why
- The real reasons people are walking away (it’s not what you think)
- A call to clarity, courage, and fast action
You’ll also find fresh insights on:
- How to teach ancient faith in modern language
- Why digital formation needs more than livestreams
- The urgent need for small, flexible, missional communities
- What both clergy and lay leaders must prioritise right now
It’s not about trendy gimmicks. It’s about reclaiming the urgency of the Gospel and removing the barriers we’ve built around it. When the church is dying institutionally, we must rediscover the living heartbeat of Christ at the centre.
Who It’s For
This article is for:
- Church leaders tired of spinning their wheels
- Pastoral teams who care more about mission than maintenance
- Lay leaders and volunteers wondering why their churches feel stuck
- Anyone wondering how to build a church that is faithful, responsive, and alive
It’s long enough to go deep, but clear enough to be shared widely—even with your local leadership team or small group. If you’ve ever looked around and wondered why the church is dying in your town or denomination, this article will help you understand what’s really happening—and what can be done about it.
A Final Word
There’s no time left for delay.
The harvest is still plentiful. But many of our systems are outdated, our responses too slow, and our focus too blurred. That’s not a reason to despair—it’s a reason to act.
If you’re ready to stop waiting and start rebuilding, I invite you to download and read From Decline to Discipleship today.
If you find it helpful, please share it with your church, pastor, or leadership team. We don’t need another conference—we need courage.
Christ is still calling people. Let’s be the Church that answers.
📄 Download the full article here:
📚 Explore More from FHLM International
If this article resonated with you, here are a few more posts worth reading:
- Simplicity and Community – Lessons from the Early Church
Discover how the raw, relational faith of the first Christians still speaks today. - Doctrine Matters – Why the Creeds Still Count
A timely reminder that clarity of belief is not optional in a confusing age. - Returning to the Table: A Call to Authentic Christianity (Series Intro)
Learn what it means to rebuild the Church around Jesus—not just programs.
📊 Key Research That Sparked This Conversation
This blog was prompted by recent findings from the Barna Group:
Belief in Jesus Rises, Fueled by Younger Adults (Barna, April 2025)