According to a YouGov survey commissioned by The Times newspaper, the proportion coming to church “several times a year” rose from six per cent last year to seven per cent in 2018.
But only five per cent this year said they go every week – a decrease compared to six per cent in 2017.
Graham Nicholls from Affinity, a national network of 1,200 evangelical churches across the UK and Ireland, said churches should help cultivate committed attendance.
He told Premier: “More people are attending church, so that’s got to be a good thing; there’s an opportunity for them to get saved, discipled and so on.
“So, there’s good news. Obviously, there’s bad news in the sense of the lack of commitment.”
The proportion of people who said they only attend church for weddings and funerals fell from 63 per cent in 2016 to 61 per cent in 2017 and to 56 per cent in 2018.
Asked about attitudes towards casual church attendance, Graham Nicholls added: “What is often modelled in churches is that Christianity is a lifestyle or pick-me-up.
Our Director is LIVE on @PremierRadio Inspirational Breakfast with John Pantry next! Listen here. https://t.co/JGriGJoFzE
— Affinity (@affinitytalks) December 28, 2018
“We need to think about whether we’re making sure we’re including the whole gospel, calling people under the lordship of Christ, teaching them how to be happy and holy even in trouble.
“I…
… Read More
—
Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.