Drawing Back Those Who See Attending Church as ‘Inconvenient’

If some of your pre-pandemic congregation still aren’t attending church services again, consider these ways to help them return.

By Lizzy Haseltine

I don’t go to church as often anymore. When I was a kid, you could find me in the halls of our small-town church on any Sunday morning or evening and Wednesday night.

Nowadays, I make the 20-minute commute to my inner-city church on Sunday mornings but, since the pandemic, only occasionally join other activities.

According to a Lifeway Research study, I am not alone. Although 91% of churchgoers said they’d go back to church once the pandemic was no longer a threat, many have not returned. As of the fall of 2022, the average church had 85% of its pre-COVID attendance numbers.

In addition, in June 2023, Pew Research reported just over a quarter of U.S. adults (27%) faithfully watch services online and a third regularly attend church in person. With 17% of Americans attending both online and in-person, just over 2 in 5 Americans are regularly participating in church services.

Another Pew Research study indicated church attendees aren’t coming as often for four reasons:

1. They’re still worried about COVID-19
2. They prefer watching church online in the comfort of their own homes
3. They’re facing new physical challenges that hinder them from attending church
4. They have changed their spiritual mindset

Convenience or community

When I take an honest look at my own heart, I fall into the comfort or convenience category.

With groceries and household items just one click away from my doorstep, I have become accustomed to accessing my essential need for church online, too. Pew found convenience is the driving factor for nearly half (43%) of the U.S. adults who regularly watch services online.

Instead of attending Bible study on a Thursday night, I’ll listen to a God-centered podcast or turn on some worship music while on a neighborhood walk.

It’s easier…

I don’t have to worry about rushing to get dinner ready. I can press pause on a podcast if it loses my attention or if I want to get another task done. And I feel like I have control of my time. And I don’t have to spend any mental energy on social interactions.

While studying God’s Word is always good—no matter the environment—I have been missing out on part of His calling by not studying Scripture and worshiping in community with other believers.

I have prioritized convenience over community.

God wants me to be in fellowship with other believers. His Word shares how community is more important than comfort—and it must be a priority for Christians.

“God's Word shares how community is more important than comfort—and it must be a priority for Christians.” — @LizzyHaseltine Share on X

The writer of Hebrews reminds us: “And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching,” (Hebrews 10:24-25, CSB).

If some of your congregation is still missing since the pandemic, consider the following ways to help them come back to church.

1. Reach out to them personally

If someone hasn’t been in church recently, they might be nervous or hesitant to return. Although that person may have previously been extroverted at church, there’s a chance they’re no longer as comfortable in social situations. According to one journal study, psychologists found some young adults faced a post-COVID personality shift in 2021-2022 that resulted in a decline in traits that help them navigate social situations.

Even years after a world of isolation during the pandemic, it’s important for the congregation to openly welcome and intentionally reach out to people who are missing from the church body.

Think about who you can shoot a text or send a note to this week. Let them know that you miss their presence and ask to catch up with them in person.

Small gestures can make a big difference.

2. Integrate fun activities or hobbies into church gatherings

My church helped me jump back into more activities by piquing my interest with fun, engaging events like paint nights and pickup volleyball games.

Although these activities aren’t necessarily “spiritual,” they helped me feel more connected with church members and want to be more involved in other events again.

As you take note of any missing church members, think of some activities they may particularly enjoy, plan an event, and invite them to participate.

“As you take note of any missing church members, think of some activities they may particularly enjoy, plan an event, and invite them to participate.” — @LizzyHaseltine Share on X

3. Host a free event

Sometimes all you have to do is offer something for free, and people will come. After all, “free” is another type of convenience.

Consider what may be a draw for people who may not be otherwise incentivized to leave the comfort of their home, whether that means setting up a complimentary car wash or hosting a BBQ on the church lawn.

A free meal or activity can be a large motivation for someone on a tight budget—enough so that they may be willing to reopen church doors.

Finding in-person value

Even if your church is the most welcoming place on the planet and hosts free, fun gatherings and events, there’s a chance not everyone will return to your church.

Ultimately, you can’t force someone to prioritize attending church. The Holy Spirit is the One to convict and lead hearts to their need for Jesus.

But as believers, we can pray for those who may be struggling as I was. We can ask God to help people value the church body over convenience.

Although there will always be encroaching events on the agenda or the desire to stay on the couch and stream church online, there is never a replacement for the Jesus-loving souls that can support and uplift people through all of life’s circumstances.

“There is never a replacement for the Jesus-loving souls that can support and uplift people through all of life’s circumstances.” — @LizzyHaseltine Share on X

By keeping your church doors open and loving all who enter, you are showing the value of living in community and having a relationship with Jesus Christ.

And that’s the whole reason behind the church.

For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.