I first encountered church-hopping when I moved from Poland to the West during college. Before I came I was confirmed Presbyterian, a member of the Polish Reformed Church. When I moved to Amsterdam, I joined the local Presbyterian (Church of Scotland) congregation. If there were none, I would have joined a Dutch Reformed congregation. I always stay with my mainline Reformed roots - now I serve a UCC congregation as a pastor. I think I am one of the last folks who actually transferred their membership as I moved to other places - but my theological allegiance stayed the same. I think the reason why church hoppers hop is related to the death of denominational allegiance in the US.

Susan Spicer, I think your experience is very common for us introverts. It seems like the modern church is run by extroverts. It is estimated that 25 to 50 % of the population tends to be introverted. Without knowing it, the modern high-energy social church is alienating a large percentage of the congregation. (Pleeease stop asking me to meet, greet and even hug people mid way through the service . . . aargh!:-) By the way, the original founders of the American colonies could be considered church hoppers. Were they not fleeing the constraints of the Old World church in Europe?

I have found that every church I have ever attended is cliquish. Generally run by the most dominant members, and after a brief welcome, new attendees are expected to barge right in, sign up for everything, socialize like there's no tomorrow and get into the clique. If you don't do this right away, you are considered standoffish and little efffort is made to include you. I'm an introvert myself and always have a difficult time with this dynamic. I like to get to know the environment, people and programs before jumping into everything. I also really enjoy the more academic aspects of church and less so the social. This typically does not go over very well. I used to church hop a bit, hoping to find a better fit, but no luck. I settled down for my kids, but now do not attend much. Not sure what I will do in the future. And BTW, I have not had any problems fitting in or adjusting to other groups in my life (work, neighbors, school). Very curious.

Pop Seal - really, in your in-depth studies of people who go from church to church this is what you came up with? Was this a blind study? Did you question each person you targeted, or is this just a voyeuristic snap assumption about people you've never met, nor would you reach out to do so.

"Our perseverance is the context for Hebrews 10:24-25, often used by pastors to challenge members to commit to a church: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." The passage refers to some who have downshifted to church-free lives, but also offers us a helpful way to support other church hoppers." How can the true "church" ever have a church free life??? The point I would like to make is that "we" the "believers" are the "Church." Every time we come in contact with people, wherever that may be, there is the potential to minister to those we see, daily. Are we doing this? Spurring one another on and strengthening one another can happen in many different settings that does not have a huge org, attached to it. Are we accountable to God and other believers? Do we love as He has loved us?

The absence of biblcal reference screams loudly. If the premise is true that is being advocated, most would have abandoned St. Paul's church plant in Corinth. Imagine that, leaving the church of the greatest church planter who wrote the bulk of the New Testament based upon the reality that it was disfunctional, relationally fragmented, prejudiced toward the elite, excessive with alcohol,chaotic with gifts, suing one another in court, allowing incest and promoting false doctrine. However, Paul addresses those who departed as revealing those who remained as genuine and approved of God. Just sayin!

I don't believe you made a single argument in pure favor of "church hopping." You argued that it's better than giving up on "church" altogether. That's a quite unsatisfactory and unconvincing argument. From experience I know quite well what it's like to have "bad experiences" with churches. Some use such experiences as an excuse to be uncommitted to a local church. But theology must always trump our emotions and desires. So, "having difficulties with the church," in my opinion, is absolutely no excuse. The problem with many "church hoppers" is their priorities. Too many place an improper priority on things such as "worship music," teen programs, etc. Instead, they ought to recognize that no church is going to fit their exact preference. But that's not with which the church is concerned. It's not about "consumer" preference. It's about service and God's glory. Find a church that prioritizes the Gospel, has sound doctrine, and lives obediently, commit yourself to it, and get involved.

The reasons why people church hop are legion. But I know one: The essential ministries in the modern church limit the types of gifts and skills needed from folks in the pews. In other words, if you don’t play a musical instrument, sing well, teach children’s Sunday school, lead men’s or women’s ministries, lead home groups, maintain the financial books, wield technology like a god, or sit on the church board, well, you are out of luck. (For instance, putting an introvert in the role of Sunday-morning-greeter is not the best allocation of resources.) That leaves cleaning the rest rooms. (Hey, not a bad proposition now that I think about it.) If your passions and skills don’t fit the church’s needs, there is not a lot of enthusiasm for your interests. That’s one reason why this hopper hopped.

The more you have of anything, the less valuable that commodity becomes. With a church on every street corner, if you 'hit a bump' at one address, just cross the street and find a church that is just right. Goldilocks Christians are everywhere and will test the porridge, because they are spoiled little children.

The problem of people leaving churches is complex and calling someone a church hopper is definitely putting a simple label on a phenomenon that is widespread in many areas of the country. There are many mature believers who cannot find a church. In my work as a counselor, I meet people who are strong in their faith and dedicated to the Lord.. some of them have worked in ministry for decades and yet they cannot find a healthy community where the Lord is the center of the worship service. I wonder how an article like this can be written without addressing the issue of the condition of the church in America. Is the church feeding the believers or are they starving for deep teaching? I know why I left several churches and it had nothing to do with church hopping or church shopping. (aliciasroses.wordpress.com)