What Churches Should Do About Inactive Members

What Churches Should Do About Inactive Members

From Rainer on Leadership by Thom Rainer

May 21, 2026 · 23 min

About this episode

Josh and Sam discuss the challenges churches face with inactive members and how to address bloated membership rolls.

In this episode, Josh and Sam address a widespread reality in many churches: bloated membership rolls and shrinking attendance. Across North America, millions of names remain on church rolls even though those people haven’t attended in months... or years. In some cases, membership lists are four or five times larger than actual weekly worship attendance. The result? Confusion, unhealthy metrics, and weakened accountability. A growing number of congregations are rethinking the issue: clarifying expectations, tightening processes, and distinguishing between truly inactive members and those with legitimate life circumstances. The post What Churches Should Do About Inactive Members appeared first on Church Answers .

People in this episode

Host: Thom Rainer

Guests: Josh, Sam

Topics covered

  • inactive members
  • church attendance
  • membership rolls
  • congregational health
  • accountability

Keywords

  • inactive members
  • church attendance
  • membership lists
  • congregational health
  • accountability

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Church Answers

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