Why are young adults in Western Australia leaving the church?

Authors

  • Timothy A. Mullen Acknowledge Education

Abstract

This article will discuss the relationship between cohesion, integration and reasons for young people leaving the church. In a phenomenological research project conducted in 2018 (Mullen, 2020) the author interviewed 15 young adults regarding their experiences of church – a mix of those who no longer attended church and those who still attended church at the time of the study. This research established that leavers’ experience of church was one of dogmatism, and was originally analysed through a George Herbert Mead lens of symbolic interactionism in Mullen (2020). The original publication simply reported findings, however, this article will further analyse the research from an Émile Durkheim lens of social cohesion and social integration. This article will demonstrate that a Durkheimian focus on cohesion and integration causes the church to be perceived as ‘bad’, and religious dogmatism leads young people to leave the church and perceive it negatively. This article will argue for a new way forward through seeking dialogue, a new approach for churches to take in ministry, contributing to practice a potential way forward for churches.

Author Biography

Timothy A. Mullen, Acknowledge Education

Tim is a lecturer in the Bachelor of Community Services program at Acknowledge Education, while also volunteering time at his local church youth group. Tim has completed research into young people and spirituality, gender attitudes, and is a PhD candidate at Edith Cowan University researching models of youth ministry.

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Published

2025-06-16

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025): Journal of Contemporary Ministry

Section

Peer Reviewed Articles

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