DROP OUTS
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith…” (1Ti 4:1)
For decades, the dropout rate in our high schools has been alarming. Statistics divulge disturbing facts:
· Number of high school dropouts annually – 2 million plus.
· Number of high school students that dropout per school day - 7000.
· Number of dropouts that occur at or before the 9th grade each year – 70,000.
· Percent of above minimum-wage jobs that high school dropouts are eligible for – 15%.
· Percent of crimes committed by high school dropouts - 68%.
As upsetting as our high school dropout rate is, a far more serious issue involves “Christian dropouts”. It is estimated that nearly 200,000 Christians quit attending services annually. To make matters worse, a substantial number of these were previously very active in the church, serving as teachers, deacons, elders, and preachers.
Although precipitating factors are frequently involved (sin, trials, losses, etc.), a discernable pattern often precedes “dropping out” of the church. This progression typically includes the following:
· A gradual decrease in attendance, usually beginning with evening services.
· Increasing participation in activities, events or trips that conflict with service times.
· Diminishing involvement in the services and activities of the local church.
· The conviction that one can stay strong spiritually despite missing some or most church services.
· Vague but perceptible feelings of not being wanted (or missed) by the local church.
· Increasing thoughts about the flaws of the local church, the preacher or leaders.
· Decreasing enthusiasm or affection for the local church.
· A general loss of desire to attend any service.
By the time the last step is reached, many Christians stop attending altogether, although some may begin attending elsewhere.
Potential “spiritual dropouts” require immediate action from both the affected member(s) and the church.
If you can personally identify with the aforementioned progression, you MUST take action immediately. Contact the preacher or a trusted member of the church.
Moreover, faithful members MUST remain on alert for Christians that exhibit any of the aforementioned symptoms. Contact such members immediately to express love and personal concern. Don’t wait for someone else to contact them.
.
“…let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (Jas 5:20).
Building a Faith that Sticks in 2026!
Dennis
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith…” (1Ti 4:1)
For decades, the dropout rate in our high schools has been alarming. Statistics divulge disturbing facts:
· Number of high school dropouts annually – 2 million plus.
· Number of high school students that dropout per school day - 7000.
· Number of dropouts that occur at or before the 9th grade each year – 70,000.
· Percent of above minimum-wage jobs that high school dropouts are eligible for – 15%.
· Percent of crimes committed by high school dropouts - 68%.
As upsetting as our high school dropout rate is, a far more serious issue involves “Christian dropouts”. It is estimated that nearly 200,000 Christians quit attending services annually. To make matters worse, a substantial number of these were previously very active in the church, serving as teachers, deacons, elders, and preachers.
Although precipitating factors are frequently involved (sin, trials, losses, etc.), a discernable pattern often precedes “dropping out” of the church. This progression typically includes the following:
· A gradual decrease in attendance, usually beginning with evening services.
· Increasing participation in activities, events or trips that conflict with service times.
· Diminishing involvement in the services and activities of the local church.
· The conviction that one can stay strong spiritually despite missing some or most church services.
· Vague but perceptible feelings of not being wanted (or missed) by the local church.
· Increasing thoughts about the flaws of the local church, the preacher or leaders.
· Decreasing enthusiasm or affection for the local church.
· A general loss of desire to attend any service.
By the time the last step is reached, many Christians stop attending altogether, although some may begin attending elsewhere.
Potential “spiritual dropouts” require immediate action from both the affected member(s) and the church.
If you can personally identify with the aforementioned progression, you MUST take action immediately. Contact the preacher or a trusted member of the church.
Moreover, faithful members MUST remain on alert for Christians that exhibit any of the aforementioned symptoms. Contact such members immediately to express love and personal concern. Don’t wait for someone else to contact them.
.
“…let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (Jas 5:20).
Building a Faith that Sticks in 2026!
Dennis
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