The drop-out commonality

I’ve thought about drop out points in ministry a lot. I’ve written about them a lot.

But one thing I’ve not really thought too much about, when it comes to the expanding list of ministry weak-points, is what these drop out points have in common.

Isolation.

No matter if it is due to life transition or the awkwardness created because you’ve broken up with your partner, the opportunity to drop out arises once you become disconnected.

And this disconnection leads to two connected consequences.

1 - You’re not pursued.

2 - You’re unchecked.

In short, no one will call you and you can now do whatever you want.

For, when you get isolated, fewer people are intentionally checking up on you and, thus, accountability wains.

This is what enables young adults to drift away.

This is what allows those who move suburbs to not find a new church.

This is what lays the platform for the newly-dumped boyfriend to leave.