If my title provokes a grin, I know a couple of things. One, we share a particular sense of humor that leaves friends scratching their heads. Second, you’ve read Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Though Adams was atheist, upon my first reading in 1980 his humorous satire caught my attention. Today I’ll not dwell on the novel’s substance other than to explain the words above. “Don’t Panic” is the warning printed on the cover of the titular Hitchhiker’s Guide in the novel, a suggestion that the situation may appear dire, but panicking never helps. “Carry a Towel” reminds readers to always be prepared. Despite Adams’ secular worldview, both are sound advice for Christians as we ponder the latest news.
Perhaps you’ve read the articles. This week Christianity Today reported, “Decline of Christianity Shows No Signs of Stopping.” Fox News online wrote, “Christianity quickly diminishing in US, on pace to become minority religion in decades.” These and similar articles point to a study by the Pew Research Center showing that in 2020 only 60% of Americans identified as Christians, a decline from 90% in the 1990s. The researchers conclude that, if the trend continues, Christianity will no longer be a majority faith in America as soon as 2045. This news, especially in light of the visible decline evident in many congregations, alarms even the stoutest among us.
Certainly there’s cause for concern, and definitely for preparation, but not panic. Let me explain.
First, I question whether the data shows an actual decline in authentic Christianity or the all too evident decline in cultural Christianity. Given the articles’ emphasis on religious identification, I lean to the latter. There’s no question that the Christian influenced veneer that defined American culture for generations is gone. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There was much in that package which stood counter to the clear teaching of scripture. In fact, now that standing with the church brings a cultural cost, the distinction between Christ’s Bride and this world might become more evident, leading to more fruitful evangelism. This is certainly my prayer.
Second, the research shows a decline in the percentage of Americans identifying as Christian, but other evidence shows the actual number of worshipping Christians remains quite high. Globally, apart from North America and Europe, the number of Christians is increasing. And even in North America, the focus on church planting among increasingly diverse peoples shows fruitfulness. I point this out to affirm that the Lord continues His work of redeeming a people unto Himself.
Third, we should be concerned about the high number of people who, though raised in Christianity, are “switching.” This includes half of all children and youth raised in Southern Baptist churches. Another segment might not leave the faith, but they are increasingly bailing out of local church engagement. Are these evangelism problems or a disciple making problems? Probably both, with a dose of poor Christian behavior added to the mix. The questions we must wrestle with are: “Are we concerned enough for our lost sheep?” and “What might we do to engage them?”
Finally, I think it’s important to note that the decline observed in the Pew study shouldn’t be dismissed as the result of American culture run amuck. We can’t point to unbelievers and say “the church is in trouble because of you.” I can’t speak for global Christianity but, generally speaking, when a church declines among an otherwise growing population, at least one of three issues are evident: a lack of effective engagement with the community, inadequate disciple and leader development, or organizational misalignment or disfunction. I believe scripture provides clear direction on each of these. Perhaps it’s time to open the Book and honestly ask how our own church stands.
The research indeed gives us much cause for concern, but not panic. Rather than panic, it’s time to pick up our towels and do what the Lord calls us to do, make disciples. Every church and all Christians will have adjustments to make.
I don’t think the cause of Christ is at risk, because He’s sovereign. He will have a faithful church. The risk is what role, if any, yours and my congregations will have in that movement.
So grab your towel and think about it. If you need translation, try a Babel Fish.
Bro. Jim