The Online Church Myth Debunked with Ryan Burge

Summary

In this episode of the Pro Church Tools Show, hosts Brady Sherer and Alexander Mills discuss the impact of online church attendance with Ryan Burge from 'Graphs about Religion'. The conversation delves into data suggesting that online church does not significantly detract from in-person attendance, but rather supplements it, especially for the already highly engaged. They also explore the role of the church in youth behavior trends, noting a significant decline in drinking and smoking among high school seniors over the past decades, and the church's minimal influence on these changes. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding and adapting to the evolving religious landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 The impact of online church on in-person attendance has been a topic of debate for years, with recent data suggesting that online church attendance has not significantly detracted from in-person participation.
• 🔍 A Pew survey from November 2022 indicated that only about 5% of Americans are 'online only' attendees, attending in-person less than once a month but nearly every week online.
• 🤔 Contrary to common concerns, pastors and church leaders are learning that online church viewership does not necessarily mean a loss of in-person attendees, as many online viewers are already active in their in-person church communities.
• 👀 The data shows that the most religiously engaged individuals are the most likely to watch church online, suggesting that online church services may be supplementing, rather than replacing, in-person attendance for these individuals.
• 📉 Despite the introduction of online services, church attendance has not seen an accelerated decline, suggesting that pre-existing trends are more influential than the shift to online options.
• 👶 Interestingly, the data indicates that younger generations are less likely to prefer online church services, with a majority preferring in-person attendance.
• 🧐 The psychological benefits of in-person attendance are highlighted by studies showing reduced psychological distress associated with face-to-face church attendance, compared to no benefits from online attendance alone.
• 👴 The demographic most likely to be 'online only' attendees are older, less educated, and disproportionately African-American, pointing to potential accessibility and mobility factors.
• 🚫 The conversation around youth and substance use reveals a significant decline in drinking and smoking among young people, with almost no correlation to church attendance.
• 🌿 There is a potential societal shift in how younger generations are experiencing life, with less engagement in traditional 'risky behaviors' and more time spent on digital platforms, which may have unforeseen psychological and sociological effects.
• 💡 The church's role in the lives of young people is being redefined, with the data suggesting that the church's influence on youth behavior is minimal compared to broader societal changes.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the video script?

The main topic of discussion is the impact of online church attendance on in-person church attendance, as well as broader topics of religious engagement, youth behavior trends, and gender differences in spirituality and religiousness.

What was the key takeaway from the Pew survey mentioned in the script?

The key takeaway was that about 5% of Americans attend online church nearly every week but attend in-person services less than once a month, suggesting that online church has not led to a significant exodus from in-person attendance.

What does the script suggest about the role of online church in community building?

The script suggests that while online church has continued due to the visibility of website logins and social media engagement, it has not been shown to effectively build community or meet the needs of many new people.

How does the script address the psychological benefits of in-person church attendance?

The script cites a study indicating that in-person church attendance at least once a week is the only factor that reduced psychological distress, suggesting no psychological benefit to being an online attendee.

What does the script suggest about the demographics of those who only attend online church?

The script suggests that the majority of those who only attend online church are older, less educated, and disproportionately African-American, which contrasts with the common assumption that younger or more digitally native individuals would prefer online attendance.

What is the script's perspective on the future of online church services?

The script suggests that while online church services may not be going away, they are not the ideal and do not offer the same benefits as in-person attendance, implying that churches should not focus primarily on expanding their online presence.

What does the script imply about the relationship between church attendance and youth behavior?

The script implies that there is a complex relationship between church attendance and youth behavior, with a historical decline in risky behaviors like drinking and smoking among youth not strongly correlated with church attendance.

How does the script discuss the potential societal impacts of reduced risky behavior among youth?

The script raises concerns that the reduction in risky behaviors like drinking and smoking among youth might lead to increased anxiety, loneliness, and depression, suggesting a potential trade-off between physical health and mental well-being.

What does the script suggest about the role of social media in youth behavior?

The script suggests that social media may be contributing to the reduction in traditional vices like drinking and smoking among youth by providing an alternative form of entertainment and engagement.

How does the script address the topic of gender differences in spirituality and religiousness?

The script, based on a survey by the Fetzer Institute, indicates that women are generally more spiritual and religious than men, with higher rates of belief in God and feeling connected to a higher power.

What does the script suggest about the implications of gender differences in spirituality for church leadership?

The script suggests that church leaders need to consider these gender differences when engaging with their congregations, potentially learning from women's approaches to faith and addressing the lower engagement of men.