They compared Christians who had not been to church in 6 months, called "Love Jesus but not the church", to "Practising Christians" which refers to people who go to church.
It turns out the church-leavers still hold the same beliefs as church-goers. If anything slightly moreso.
So these are not people who have lost faith. They just don't see value in church.
When it comes to spiritual practices, there are some differences.
The "Love Jesus but not church" group do less bible reading, journaling, reading spiritual books and (perhaps obviously) less meeting in groups. But they do more reflection in nature and more meditation. Prayer is about the same.
It's fair to say that these people are still Christians. I also think it's unfair to imply that they aren't "practising" because they don't enter a certain building. Some continue to denigrate them, wag the finger and say they should go to church.
Sure they would probably benefit from meeting with other Christians. But sadly almost the only thing that is available is the standard sing/pray/lecture process that many find so futile.
I think there needs to be more alternatives. Alternatives that value following Jesus as much as following a worship style.
