Common Reasons Why People Leave the Church

Common Reasons Why People Leave the Church

The Ascension Team

What are the common reasons Catholics are leaving the Church? Today, I share part two of a talk I recently gave at my parish about bringing your loved ones back to Christ. I discuss the main reasons people are leaving the Catholic Church according to recent surveys, and what we can do in response to this crisis in the Church.

Snippet from the Show

When Christianity is reduced to simply a moral system, we forget that good people don't go to heaven, forgiven people go to heaven.

Common Reasons Why People Leave the Church

  • Pew Survey – “Faith in Flux” (2009)–percentage of former Catholics who said reason(s) below played a role in their departure

    • 71% – Just gradually drifted away from the religion
    • 65% – Stopped believing in the religion’s teachings
    • 43% – Spiritual needs not being met
    • 29% – Unhappy with teachings about the Bible
    • 26% – Dissatisfaction with atmosphere at worship services
    • 18% – Dissatisfaction with clergy at congregation
    • 10% – Found a religion they liked more

  • Diocese of Springfield Exit Surveys (2014) –percentage of former Catholics who said reason(s) below played a role in their departure

    • 68% – Spiritual needs not met
    • 67% – Lost interest over time
    • 56% – Too many money requests
    • 48% – No longer believe
    • 47% – Dissatisfaction with atmosphere
    • 38% – Too ritualistic
    • 36% – Too formal
    • 36% – Music not enjoyable

How Do We Respond?

  • We have to recover clarity as we share the Gospel
  • Your personal sanctity is the most important part of drawing your loved ones back to church
  • We have to learn trustful surrender to Divine Providence
  • We have to be consumed by the fiery love of God
  • Everything in your life has to be given over to God

Resources

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