A recent survey by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion and Public Life reported that Americans change religious affiliation early and often. John Clemens reports.

3:31 STANDARD CLOSE

About half of American adults have changed their religious affiliation at least once. Most people who change leave their childhood faith before age 24, and many do so more than once. Wayne Jacobsen, author of the book “So You Don’t Want to Go to Church Anymore,” tells a fictional story to examine that disillusionment and offers a different framework for our perception of the church.

Wayne Jacobsen (:24) OC: “…that’s real worship.”

A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion and Public Life revealed that 16 percent of the American population is unaffiliated with any religion. Many said they viewed religious people as hypocritical, judgmental or insincere. Wayne Jacobsen says many crave the spiritual intimacy of contact with other people of faith.

Wayne Jacobsen (:26) OC: “…they’re just spectators of a service.”

In another book, “He Loves Me: Learning To Live In The Father’s Affection,” Wayne Jacobsen writes about those sitting in the congregation wondering if this worship experience will help them know God better.

Wayne Jacobsen (:20) OC: “…to me in the Gospel.”

Wayne Jacobsen is also concerned with how easily a “country club mentality” can settle into the way many people relate to their church.

Wayne Jacobsen (:34) OC: “…in our culture.”

Jacobsen, writing in “So You Don’t Want to Go to Church Anymore,” ponders what it would be like if one of the original disciples of Jesus could visit our churches today. Would he even recognize what we’ve become?

Wayne Jacobsen (:19) OC: “…21st century church.”

To learn more about Wayne Jacobsen, visit www.lifestream.org, or find his books at www.windblownmedia.com. This is John Clemens.

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