(CBN) – Church attendance in America has been on the decline in recent years. According to Pew Research, only 36 percent of Americans attended weekly services in 2014, a 14 percent decline from a 1950’s Gallup Report. CBN News has reported on the rising “None” movement. “Nones” are people identifying themselves as having no religious affiliation. Many believe there is a God but have lost the desire to be affiliated with a religion. This mindset reflects the lifestyles of many millennials – over 59 percent have already left the church.
While there are various reasons for the decline in church attendance, there is a growing debate around viewing worship service online. Millennials highlighted the church’s inadequacy in addressing issues important to their generation. Last week, The Christian Post published an article titled, “Internet Preachers Rise as More Worshippers Migrate Online.” “And as the population of the unchurched continues to grow, some church experts say their data reflect a growing engagement among the faithful with ministries online, with some even choosing to fellowship exclusively on the internet,” the CP said.” READ MORE
No surprise to the stats. We went online church 6 years ago…due to the many disappointments with pastors, and the congregations. We still tithe online and get a receipt same day. We hated to go this route, but, wanted to attend church without the driving distance and the weather, We miss the gathering of his people, and we will eventually get back into a local church. But for now, enjoying church without the disruptions. This new way of watching church will not be a fad, but, a new norm and may replace the brick and mortar of the future. Technology is here till the end of age!