Jesse Reimers

How Small Churches Can Become Spiritual Families That Anchor People for Life If there is one truth the church in the West must rediscover, it is this: People stay where they belong. They remain where they are known. They grow where they are connected. They thrive where they are loved. The Lifeway Research on church switching confirms something pastors have quietly suspected for years: relationships—not programming, preaching, or preferences—are the number one factor determining whether a person stays in a church or quietly slips away. People may come for the sermon, but they stay because of the relationships. In this post, we will explore: why belonging matters more than ever why relationships are the strongest retention tool a church has how small churches hold a unique relational advantage what Scripture teaches about belonging practical steps for fostering a culture of spiritual community why relational disconnection is often the real reason people leave ...

Understanding the Deepest Reasons People Leave — and How Small Churches Can Respond with Strength and Clarity If you have pastored for any length of time, you know the ache of watching someone quietly drift from your congregation. At first, it’s a missed Sunday or two. Then three. Then someone whispers, “I think they might be going somewhere else.” And then, without a heartfelt conversation or clear understanding, they're gone. Few things sting the pastoral heart more deeply than the silent departure of a soul you have prayed for, served, loved, and labored to disciple. But here is the truth the Lifeway Research confirms: Most people are not leaving because they dislike you or your church. They are leaving because something deep inside them is spiritually unmet. This is not about preferences. This is not about programs. This is not even about style. Underneath all the stated reasons for switching churches lies one core reality: People want to grow spiritually — and if t...