Understanding Dechurching 

EMQ » Jan – March 2025 » Volume 61 Issue 1

Reviewed by Anish Puthusseril Joseph, formerly an assistant professor of biblical studies in India and currently a Ph.D. student in intercultural studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.

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In The Great Dechurching, authors Jim Davis, Michael Graham, and Ryan Burge present a thorough examination of dechurching in the United States, investigating the departure of approximately 40 million adults from regular church attendance over the past 25 years. Drawing from rigorous research conducted from a pastoral perspective, the book analyzes the reasons behind this exodus, potential pathways for return, and the types of churches that can thrive in a secular age.

The introduction outlines the authors’ journey from starting a local podcast to embarking on a comprehensive research project with the help of prominent sociologists, leading to this book. Conducted in three phases, the research aimed to measure the magnitude of the dechurching movement, understand who is leaving and why, and identify distinct groups within the dechurched population.

The book is divided into four parts. Part I introduces the dechurched phenomenon and its historical context, likening it to significant religious shifts like the First and Second Great Awakenings. Part II profiles different segments of the dechurched population, including cultural Christians, dechurched mainstream evangelicals, exvangelicals, and dechurched Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

Part III discusses engaging the dechurched through relational wisdom, addressing generational transitions, and delivering relevant messages. Part IV offers lessons for the church, emphasizing spiritual formation, maintaining confessional and missional integrity, embracing exile, and providing guidance for church leaders. Throughout, hopeful findings are juxtaposed with challenges, emphasizing the need for churches to adapt while staying true to their beliefs.

One notable strength of the book is its interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon insights from sociology, psychology, and theology to offer a multifaceted analysis of dechurching. By examining the interplay between individual experiences, societal trends, and institutional dynamics, the authors provide a nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to religious disaffiliation.

Moreover, the book also offers valuable insights for church leaders and practitioners seeking to address this cultural shift effectively. It emphasizes the importance of relational wisdom in engaging with the dechurched, advocating for humility, hospitality, and active listening as essential components of outreach efforts (77). Another significant aspect of the book is its emphasis on actionable insights for religious leaders and communities seeking to engage with the dechurched population.

Through discussions on spiritual formation, missional innovation, and cultural engagement, the book offers practical strategies for fostering authentic community, promoting theological depth, and navigating the complexities of contemporary society. This pragmatic approach positions the book as a valuable resource for religious practitioners, educators, and policymakers grappling with the challenges of religious disaffiliation in their respective contexts.

For Further Reading

Mass Exodus: Catholic Disaffiliation in Britain and America since Vatican II by Stephen Sebastian Bullivant (Oxford University Press, 2019)

When Church Stops Working: A Future for Your Congregation beyond More Money, Programs, and Innovation by Andrew Root and Blair D. Bertrand (Brazos Press, 2023)

Nones, Second Edition: Where They Came from, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going by Ryan P. Burge (1517 Media, 2023)

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EMQ, Volume 61, Issue 1. Copyright © 2025 by Missio Nexus. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced or copied in any form without written permission from Missio Nexus. Email: EMQ@MissioNexus.org.