The Church Today: Outdated or Needed?
March 2026
I am very aware that the word “church” evokes a variety of strong feelings. Why? Some view the church as irrelevant or outdated. Some see it as dangerous because it supports social or political views they disagree with. Some feel unwelcome when visiting a church. Many think that the local church does not care about the needs of the world. Visitors to a church often find the program or liturgy confusing.
As someone who spends much of his time engaged with the unchurched world, I can’t say I blame people for these feelings. Every year church attendance decreases and the “secular/no religion” category increases. BC is the most secular province in Canada.
Only approximately 18% of people living in BC attend church regularly. Yet, approximately 84% of people believe in God. There is nothing else in Canada that can claim such a high percentage of participation. So why the disconnect? What is everyone searching for and how can the church help people in their search for God and meaning?
I believe there is both room and a need for the church in our modern world. Pope Francis described the Church not as a citadel of moral perfection but as a “field hospital after battle“---a place where people who are wounded by life come to be healed, not judged.
Although the church is imperfect it has always played a significant role in the world. Consider these three contributions the church has made and continues to do so.:
The Church Offers Peace: Jesus invited us to come and be with Him for the good of our soul. Experiencing inner peace and quiet is crucial for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. One could argue it is good for our soul to pause and pray. It allows the brain to pause and process information without distraction. Most churches are open all day allowing people to come in, be quiet, unwind, and allow uninterrupted times to pray. I know of many people who don’t go to church services but slip midweek into a church to sit and pray. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-30.)
The Church Offers Care: The faith communities of the church were the first to found hospitals, beginning in the 4th Century. Most colleges, universities, and schools were first started by the church, starting with the Benedictine Order in around 500 BC. The worldwide church is still the largest charity organization in the world and the major catalyst for non-profits helping those in need. “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 30:17) “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed the sick.” (Matthew 14:14)
The Church Offers Community: The Vancouver Foundation's study on loneliness revealed it is the number one need in the city, with many residents feeling isolated. The survey found that one in three people in metro Vancouver find it hard to make new friends, and one in four feel alone more often than they would like. The church community often welcomes and includes newcomers and engages them in events and social gatherings. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” (Ephesians. 4:32). “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians.6:2)
“What profit does a person gain if they gain the whole world, and lose their own soul?” (Mark 8:36-37) It’s a good question. Maybe those who attend church have found something that gives them peace, community, and care.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27)
Blessings,
Tom