Why do people leave churches?

Helen Thorne-Allenson  |  Features  |  pastoral care
Date posted:  5 Apr 2026
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Why do people leave churches?

In and out? In fact, this is a burger chain, but the label could apply to some churches. Photo: iStock

In recent months, there seems to have been an exciting increase in the number of people coming through the front doors of our churches.

It’s so encouraging to see new faces, hear new questions, and see new people becoming regular members of the congregation. But, at the same time, I am hearing an increasing number of stories of people leaving by the back door. Not storming out – not moving away – not finding themselves unable to get to church – but people quietly slipping off to “do church alone”.

These are people who are not giving up their belief in a crucified and risen Saviour, but in the necessity of being in community with others the Lord has saved.

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