The Disengagement Crisis At Church

Church renewal efforts thrive in congregations that are highly engaged, enthusiastic, and involved. However, many churches are finding that volunteerism has not returned to pre-COVID levels. Disengagement is high among lay leaders, council members, and staff.

Churches are facing a disengagement crisis, and they are not alone. Disengagement is on the rise throughout society, especially in the workplace. Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace Report found that only 30 percent of managers are engaged at work, and only 18 percent of non-managers’ report feeling engaged. Among managers, 56 percent are considering leaving their jobs, and half of other employees are looking for a change too.

What is driving this dissatisfaction? One in four employees report experiencing “a lot of stress,” and 20 percent said they feel lonely every day.

In an era marked by unprecedented progress and prosperity, it can be surprising that a crisis of disengagement is unfolding. Gallup CEO Jon Clifton has called it “one of the great paradoxes of our time.” This paradox is present in churches too, where even otherwise healthy and growing churches are suffering from increasing disengagement.

In this week’s newsletter, I will explore the implications of Gallup’s findings for church renewal leaders as we seek to address the disengagement crisis together.

Five Ways Disengagement is affecting your church

Idea 1. Disengagement affects your congregation

Work is a significant part of life, but all too often, we never talk about it at church. We seldom pray for workers, offer sermon applications for the workplace, lament the effects of sin on work, or teach about how to honor God through our vocational callings.
Addressing these gaps by integrating work-related themes into worship and discipleship will help our congregants navigate the challenges of their vocations.

Idea 2. Disengagement affects your staff

Church staff members are not immune to these dynamics. In fact, working for a church can be lonelier and more stressful than working for a secular employer. Church staff members face sharp criticism from congregants they considered friends. They often cannot sit through worship services as a recipient of ministry. They can’t even fully open up to their small groups about the struggles of ministry life.
To be healthy, they must find other sources of authentic relationships and worship experiences.

Idea 3. Disengagement affects your volunteers

Volunteers, though unpaid, share many of the same needs as staff members. They require a compelling vision, clear expectations, sufficient resources, and regular feedback.
Unfortunately, the leaders of volunteer teams often overlook these needs, issuing frequent requests but little gratitude. Strengthening volunteers by shepherding them well can significantly improve their engagement.

Idea 4. Disengagement affects your council

Church councils often struggle with continuity. Because members rotate on and off, it can be difficult to build momentum and cohesion. By the time someone acclimates to the role, their term ends, disrupting team dynamics.

Implementing a robust onboarding process and structured knowledge transfer can help elders and deacons thrive in their roles.

Idea 5. Disengagement affects your pastor

Did you notice in the statistics above that more managers than non-managers are looking to change jobs? This highlights how frustrating leadership can be. Pastors bear the responsibility of aligning lay teams, staff members, governing boards, and committees — a nearly impossible task.
Acknowledging the reality of the stress and loneliness that comes with a calling to ministry is essential. Conversations with trusted mentors can provide support, helping pastors stay engaged even in the most challenging times.

I believe addressing disengagement will be one of the most important church renewal tasks in front of you this year. By recognizing its impact and taking wise steps in the right direction, we can create engaged, healthy congregations.