By Josh Packard, Ph.D. and Ashleigh Hope
TheyÂ’re called The Dones.
After devoting a lifetime to their churches, they'Â’re walking away. Why?
Sociologists Josh Packard and Ashleigh Hope reveal the results of a major study about the exodus from the American church.
And what they'Â’ve discovered may surprise you...
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Church refugees aren'Â’t who youÂ’'d expect. Among those scrambling for the exits are the churchÂ’'s staunchest supporters and leaders.
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Leaving the church doesn'Â’t mean abandoning the faith. Some who are done with church report they'Â’ve never felt spiritually stronger.
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The door still remains open--—a crack. Those who'’ve left remain hungry for community and the chance to serve--—and they’'re finding both.
Sifting through hundreds of hours of in-depth interviews, Packard and Hope provide illuminating insights into what has become a major shift in the American landscape.
If you’'re in the church, discover the major reasons your church may be in danger of losing its strongest members—--and what you can do to keep them.
If you’'re among those done with church, look for your story to be echoed here. You'’re not alone--—and at last you'’re understood.
Hard cover