What Churches Should Do About Inactive Members

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

More episodes of Rainer on Leadership

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Rainer on Leadership podcast page.