
What Churches Should Do About Inactive Members
From Rainer on Leadership by Church Answers
May 20, 2026 · 23 min · Episode 1030
About this episode
Josh and Sam discuss the challenges churches face with inactive members and the need for clearer membership processes.
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.
People in this episode
Hosts: Josh, Sam
Topics covered
- inactive members
- church membership
- attendance issues
- congregational health
- accountability
Keywords
- church membership
- inactive members
- attendance
- congregational health
- accountability
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