The Joneses left their church because they were dissatisfied and wanted something more. The researchers asking people why they switched churches say that's a good thing. Most weren't lured to the new church, but said they felt a lack of spiritual development and were not feeling engaged or involved in a meaningful way in their old setting. Half (48%) said their "needs weren't being met."

How can you minister to their dissatisfaction?

Brad Waggoner, head of research for LifeWay, which conducted the study, says, "The fact that the majority of church switchers express a desire to grow spiritually and become active in service should strike a chord of optimism for leaders. Where there is leadership, passion, determination, and an intentional strategy, church members can and will be developed and equipped for ministry." Of the switchers, 76 percent say they are "devout Christians with a strong faith in God."

Switchers often selected a new church that was significantly different from their former ...