In this episode, Thom and Sam shine a light on a trend few church leaders see: the silent exodus of senior adults. While much attention is given to reaching Millennials and Gen Z, an equally significant group is slowly drifting away: older adults who once formed the backbone of many congregations. Their departure isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s subtle: an empty pew, a missing volunteer, a longtime member who quietly stops attending.

1. 1. The impact is profound. Seniors are often the most faithful givers, steady volunteers, and prayer warriors. Losing them weakens the church both spiritually and practically.
   2. Research from Gallup and Pew reveals a marked decrease in weekly church attendance among adults over 65. The decline isn’t isolated. It’s a national trend impacting churches of all sizes, especially small congregations that rely heavily on seniors.
   3. Mobility issues, health challenges, the loss of peers, and shifting church priorities all contribute to disengagement.
   4. Churches can reverse this trend through practical care (transportation, visits, tech help), intergenerational ministry, visible leadership roles, and sermons that speak directly to senior concerns. When seniors are valued and included, the entire church grows stronger.

Take a deeper dive into this subject.

Resources:

• Upward Running

• Upward Sports

• HelpFinder Bible

• Tyndale House Publishers

• Church Growth Services

• “The Silent Exodus of Senior Adults” by Thom S. Rainer

• Ryan Burge

• Church Answers Platinum Membership

• FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

• The Hope Initiative

Episode Sponsors:

Upward Running for Your Small Group

• Turn your small group into a community on the move! Upward Running helps adults go from the couch to completing a 5K together. You provide the run coach, and we’ll equip them with training plans, resources, and support to lead well. It’s a fun, healthy way to grow relationships, encourage one another, and experience fitness and fellowship together.
• Learn more at Upward.org/Runcoach.

 

 

As ministry leaders, you are walking with people through anxiety, grief, conflict, and big questions every week. The HelpFinder Bible is a simple, practical tool to help you point them to Scripture quickly and confidently.

Its unique HelpFinder Index includes more than 100 life topics—so whether someone is struggling with stress, relationships, or doubt, you can turn straight to relevant verses, helpful notes, and God’s promises that speak to their situation.

It is great for counseling, discipleship, or small groups, and there is even a built-in discussion guide to spark meaningful conversations.

Equip your church with a resource that makes it easier to find God’s answers—right when they need them most. Check out HelpFinderBible.com.

The post The Silent Exodus of Senior Adults (What’s Happening in Churches?) appeared first on Church Answers.