As anxiety, depression, and loneliness continue to rise, fewer people are attending church than ever before. But what if we’ve overlooked a powerful connection between faith, community, and human flourishing?
In this episode of the Truth Changes Everything podcast, we sit down with Rebecca McLaughlin—author of How Church Could (Literally) Save Your Life—to explore the surprising research behind church attendance and well-being. Study after study shows that those who regularly attend religious services tend to be happier, healthier, and even live longer. Why is that? And could church be part of the solution to today’s mental health crisis?
We tackle some of the biggest questions surrounding faith and community:
*Why are millions of Americans walking away from church?
*Is church really different from any other kind of community?
*Do the benefits of church attendance apply to young people—or just older adults?
*What about those who have been hurt by the church?
*How do you stay committed to a church when you don’t agree with everything?
Rebecca also shares powerful insights on the impact of church on children, teens, and families—and challenges the idea that church is just a “nice add-on” to life rather than something essential.
If you’ve ever wondered whether gathering together in worship actually matters—or if it could even change your life—this conversation is for you.