Does it fee harder to connect with people these days? Maybe you wave to neighbors but don't know their last names. Perhaps you’re part of several online groups but rarely meet up in person. Do you feel like you “know” people but never really connect with others.
It’s not your imagination. Sociologist, Robert D. Putnam, in his groundbreaking book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, dives deep into this phenomenon, revealing a profound shift in how Americans engage with one another. His observations from the first two chapters, in particular, hold significant implications for those of us trying to build vibrant, authentic Christian communities today.
Putnam begins by introducing us to the concept of social capital. Think of it like a community's hidden treasure – it's the web of connections, trust, and shared norms that make life easier and richer for everyone involved. It's about how much you know and trust your neighbors, whether people volunteer for local causes, or if groups meet regularly for shared activities. Historically, America was a powerhouse of social capital. As observed by Alexis de Tocqueville in the 19th century, Americans were constantly forming associations – debating issues, organizing charities, and simply spending time together. This rich civic life, this "social glue," made communities stronger, healthier, and more resilient. When people know and trust each other, they're more likely to help out, solve problems together, and feel a sense of belonging. (Putnam, Bowling Alone, 2000, pp. 19-27).
However, in what Putnam calls "The Great Disruption," he presents compelling evidence that this social capital has been in steep decline since the 1960s. He shows us that, across virtually every measurable indicator, Americans are participating less in community life. We’re joining fewer civic organizations, attending fewer public meetings, and even spending less time with friends and family. The iconic image of bowling leagues, for instance, saw a massive drop in participation, even as more people were bowling alone (Putnam, Bowling Alone, 2000, pp. 28-36). This isn't just about formal organizations; it's about the informal, everyday connections that weave the fabric of a healthy society. People know their neighbors less, they trust strangers less, and the shared experiences that once bound communities together are slowly eroding. It's a broad, pervasive trend that touches nearly every aspect of our lives.
So, what does all of this mean for the Christian community, for our local churches? If the broader society is experiencing a decline in social capital, it's highly likely that our churches are feeling the effects too. We might see people attending Sunday services but struggling to form deeper friendships. Perhaps our small groups don't feel as "sticky" as they once did, or new members find it challenging to truly integrate beyond a surface level. The very essence of being a church – a "body" united in Christ – relies on those very connections, trust, and shared commitment that Putnam argues are fading in the wider culture.
For a church, this declining social capital can manifest in several ways:
Surface-level relationships: People might show up for worship on Sunday, but there's less shared life, fewer impromptu conversations, and a reduced sense of truly being and doing for “one another.”
Difficulty in mobilization: When trust and connection are low, it becomes harder to rally people for service projects, new initiatives, or even just helping a fellow church member in need.
Reduced belonging: If people don't feel deeply known or seen, the church can feel more like an event to attend rather than a spiritual home where they truly belong.
This isn't to say that churches are doomed. In fact, Putnam's findings present a powerful call and a unique opportunity for Christian communities. If society is "bowling alone," then the church has an incredible chance to be a place where people don't have to. We are called to be a counter-cultural force, intentionally building the very social capital that the world is losing.
This means moving beyond simply offering programs and into fostering genuine relationship. It means creating spaces where vulnerability is safe, where shared meals are prioritized, and where people are encouraged to truly know and be known by one another. It requires intentional effort to bridge divides, invite new people in, and cultivate a culture of trust and reciprocity. Our faith is founded on relationship – with God and with each other. In an age of increasing disconnection, the Christian community can be a beacon, demonstrating the profound joy and strength found when we choose one another.
It’s not just about getting people to come to church; its about creating a church where people genuinely want to be, because they find the rich, life-giving connections that are increasingly rare elsewhere.