How can we stop the revolving door of members leaving after a few years? A look at why they leave and steps to keep them. Based on "Closing the Back Door," a webinar by Mark Bernstein of the Central East Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

1. MidAmerica Region: Prairie Star, Central Midwest & Heartland Districts Membership: Closing the Back DoorDori Davenport ThextonFaith Development & Growth Director

2. Why are people leaving our congregations? An estimated 35 million Americans have left organized religion in recent years. American Religious Identification Survey (2008) 28% o fAmerican adults left faith of their upbringing for another religion or none at all. People moving into “unaffiliated” category outnumber those moving out of it by 3 to 1. U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life (2008)

3. James Russell Hale “The rites of passage by which people become members of religious communities are well known. The rites of passage by which people leave remain unexplored.”

5. Death or serious illness

6. The economy

7. Change in work schedule

8. Transportation problems

9. Accessibility issues

11. Spiritual needs not being met by congregation

12. Lack of clear understanding of UU faith

14. Losing our youth and young adults They need to experience the value of teachings and relationships in a congregation and see relevance for the next phase of life.

15. Satisfaction Index: Reasons for Staying Proud to belong Feel valued Confidence and trust in leadership

17. It should come out of the mission/vision of the congregation and stated as a specific goal – publicized widely.Be Intentional about Retaining Members

18. 10 Ways to Retain Membership Raise the bar for membership Offer a variety of small group opportunities for members to explore UU ideas & ideals Involve members in the life of the congregation according to their gifts and preferences

19. More ways to retain members Create a culture of acknowledgement and gratitude. Expand pastoral care with trained lay leaders to meet personal & emotional needs of more congregants. Engage Conflict, don’t ignore it!

21. There’s a good reason for being inactive

22. Inactive member will continue to be so until situation is handled effectively

24. Last, but definitely not least… Ensure meaningful and varied worship services that speak to the needs of the congregation, that celebrate wonderful music, and that involve aspects of church life

25. A faith community is… one of the few places where casual interchanges between young and old can take place, where familiarity breeds appreciation rather than contempt. Faith communities keep us aware of and in conversation about our core values as we move through life and struggle with what it means each day to live with courage, generosity and grace.Michael A. Schuler, Making the Good Life Last