The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?

We find ourselves in the midst of a significant religious transformation in the United States, marked by changes that are unfolding at an unprecedented pace. This shift holds a unique place in history. However, it’s important to note that this change has not been extensively explored through rigorous research.

Jim Davis and Michael Graham have taken a significant step forward in shedding light on this phenomenon. Through their collaboration, they have initiated a groundbreaking endeavor, partnering with esteemed sociologists Dr. Ryan Burge and Dr. Paul Djupe, to conduct the largest and most comprehensive study on the subject of dechurching in America.

This book does more than just analyze the trend; it also offers a path forward. By examining the research findings, Davis and Graham spotlight the reasons behind people’s disengagement from the church. They also emphasize demographic patterns, key concerns, historical context, and more. Furthermore, the book suggests strategies to address this issue, slow down the rate of disconnection, engage meaningfully with relevant issues, and perhaps even bring some of those who have left back into the fold.

Jim Davis is a teaching pastor at Orlando Grace Church (Acts 29). He is the host of the As in Heaven podcast on The Gospel Coalition podcast network and serves as a writer for The Dechurched Initiative. Jim writes frequently for The Gospel Coalition, Acts 29, and Family Life.

He and his wife, Angela, speak for Family Life’s Weekend to Remember marriage getaways.

Michael Graham is the Program Director at the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. He is also the executive producer and writer for the "As In Heaven" podcast. He received his MDiv at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. He is a member of Orlando Grace Church. He is married to Sara, and they have two kids.

Ryan Burge is an associate professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University, where he also serves as the graduate coordinator. He has authored over thirty peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, along with four books about religion and politics in the United States. He has written for the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. He has also appeared in an NBC Documentary, on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, as well as on 60 Minutes, which called him "one of the country’s leading data analysts on religion and politics." He has served as a pastor in the American Baptist Church for over twenty years and has been married to his wife, Jacqueline, for over fifteen years. They have two boys.