National

Are Fewer People Attending Church?

Published

3 months ago

November 9, 2025

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The head of the Bahamas Christian Council says the Baptist community, like many denominations worldwide, continues to see a decline in church attendance following the COVID-19 pandemic. Bishop Delton Fernander says the drop has been most noticeable among older members who have not returned to in-person worship.

Bishop Delton Fernander – President, Bahamas Christian Council
“The Gen Z and the others were not at worship. They were not involved in worship, but the seniors were there and post COVID, some have developed Alzheimer’s. Uh, some have gone on to be with the Lord and some are not safe. They just don’t feel comfortable, uh, leaving their homes.”

Meantime, in the Anglican community, Bishop Laish Boyd agrees, noting that the challenge goes beyond any single denomination. He says modern distractions, competing values, and changing family structures have made it harder for churches to engage the next generation.

Rt. Rev. Laish Boyd – Bishop, Anglican Diocese
“Every church is experiencing a decline, particularly a decline in younger people as parents no longer bring their children to church the way they used to. Families no longer go to church together the way they used to. So these are some of the issues we are gonna be looking at. Uh, strengthening youth, strengthening family.”

Fernander adds that the church must evolve to stay relevant, using modern tools like social media to connect with younger generations while reigniting engagement among the elderly.

Bishop Delton Fernander – President, Bahamas Christian Council
“Each one must reach one. No matter where you are at in society, your generation must reach your generation. I’ll give you a nugget, a church ages with the pastor. So when I first became pastor, I had no gray hair and I was able to reach a generation two sermons that were relevant at that time. We need more of you to step forward.”

Both bishops say while attendance may be down, the mission of the church remains the same—to restore faith, strengthen families, and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.