People primarily leave a Church they once called home in three ways.

First, some leave by the front door. These people are not happy. Something happened or was said that upset them, and they marched out loudly with a slamming door.

Second, some people leave by the back door. One day, they stopped attending and quietly left, never returning. These people are not upset; they go because they know they no longer fit in with this group.

Finally, some people leave by the side door. They get busy with work, sports, family, or a long list of other possible reasons. Attendance becomes less frequent. This pattern may continue for months. Then, one day, they are gone completely. They are not mad about anything. They do not say, “We are never going back.” They simply drift away and don’t return.

In my years of ministry, a few have left by the front door. Sometimes, they have proven to be a “blessed subtraction” as they were a source of negative words and actions. Also, I have had several people leave by the back door. Often, a larger Church has better worship, a bigger youth group, or more for their family. Some have told me the opposite, that our Church was too big and they needed something smaller. 

The last group is the most significant way I have lost people by far. People drift away quietly, and no one knows what happened. Frequently, they quit reading their Bibles and move away from anything religious entirely. 

Losing people, especially through the side door, is one of the most difficult parts of being a pastor. I try to get friends to reach out to them. The leadership and I make phone calls, drop messages, and visit their home. But since there is nothing truly wrong, little can be done.      

Many Christians are bracing themselves for a spiritual battle with evil. They are prepared to handle the arguments against faith. They can be well-versed in the fundamental doctrines. They will not fall prey to some grand scheme of the devil.

Meanwhile, the real threat to their faith may be a full calendar, busyness, and an overloaded life.  

Evil doesn’t care which door you choose as long as you stay far away from the Church.