1. The church was not helping me to develop spiritually. (28%)
2. I did not feel engaged or involved in meaningful church work (20%)
3. Church members were judgmental of others (18%)
4. pastor was not a good preacher (16%)
5. Too many changes (16%)
6. Members seemed hypocritical (15%)
7. Church didn't seem to be a place where God was at work (14%)
8. Church was run by a clique that discouraged involvement (14%)
9. Pastor was judgmental of others (14%)
10. Pastor seemed hypocritical (13%)
SOURCE: The Biblical Recorder... Read more here.
People leaving your church is a double edged sword.
On one hand it can be a healthy thing. Perry Noble say that because the church is a body, and every good body has a back door (I think you know what I mean here!) - it is important for the church not to be constipated. It can be healthy for a people to leave a church. If they are not aligned to the vision or if they are being contentious, then we should allow them to leave.
But on the other hand, depending on why and how people are leaving, it could be a symptom of a troubling systemic issue within the church.
One of the best practices we try to implement at Big Creek Church are exit interviews. When people are in a position and willing to give us honest feedback, we want to take advantage of that opportunity to learn from their departure.
HERE ARE SOME POINTS ABOUT THE EXIT INTERVIEW:
* They are usually done over the phone and last only 5-10 minutes.
* Make sure to listen - don't be defensive or try to excuse - use it as an opportunity to learn.
* An exit interview allows closure for the church and for that person.
* Use the interview as an opportunity to bless them -pray for them over the phone as you conclude.
