Data from Public Religion Research Institute indicates that nearly 1 in 5 Americans have left their childhood religion to become completely religiously unaffiliated as adults. This group has grown from roughly 5% of American adults in the 1970s to nearly 30% today. Among Generation Z, the share of people claiming no religious affiliation approaches 45%.

About 46% to 67% of those who disaffiliate state they simply stopped believing the teachings of their early religion. Additionally, Lifeway Research found that many unaffiliated individuals still hold spiritual beliefs, with 63% believing in spiritual forces, energy, or karma, even if they reject formal institutions.

What caused the departures? Disagreements over teachings regarding LGBTQ+ policies and sociopolitical stances, combined with distrust in leadership, institutional scandals, and feelings that religion doesn’t meet spiritual needs all played a part. 

Nothing can keep everyone faithful for all time, but churches will find success in getting back to the Word in preaching and practice. Repeating and reminding each other of the Word’s content will deepen those concepts in our hearts, making them impervious against the god of this world. Getting back to the Word will also keep us walking by the Spirit, staying away from the unrighteousness of scandals that rob our faith and innocence.