Watch When God Left the Building

When God Left the Building is an eye-opening documentary that explores the decline of church attendance and the reasons behind it. The film follows the story of Tillie Burgin, a community leader in Grapevine, Texas, who noticed a drop in attendance at her church and decided to investigate the issue further. Tillie's journey takes her across America as she interviews pastors, churchgoers, and experts in religion and sociology. The film delves into the reasons why people are leaving the church, such as the changing cultural attitudes towards religion, the rise of technology and social media, and a sense of disconnect with traditional beliefs.

Throughout the film, there are interviews with various religious leaders who are grappling with the decline in attendance. One of the more notable interviews is with Gabe Lyons, who founded Q Conference, a Christian leadership summit. Lyons discusses the challenges that churches face in the modern era, where the younger generation is more interested in individualism, technology, and social justice issues, rather than traditional religious practices.

The film also looks at ways that churches are trying to adapt to the changing times. Tillie meets with pastors who are embracing technology to reach new audiences, such as live-streaming sermons and creating social media content. The film also highlights churches that are moving away from traditional practices and embracing new forms of worship, such as rock concerts and contemporary music.

When God Left the Building is not just a film about the decline of church attendance. It's a thought-provoking exploration of what religion means to people today, and how they are seeking to find meaning and connection in a rapidly changing world. The interviews with regular people who have left the church are particularly poignant, as they speak about their struggles with faith, feelings of isolation and loneliness, and the search for meaning in their lives.

One of the strengths of the film is its even-handed approach to the issues. It doesn't take a particular stance on whether the decline in church attendance is a good or bad thing, but rather investigates the reasons behind it and the potential solutions. This makes the film accessible to people of all religious backgrounds or none, and allows for an open and honest discussion about the role of religion in our society.

The cinematography is also noteworthy, with beautiful shots of Texas and other parts of America, as well as interesting shots of church services, concerts, and other events. The editing is seamless, seamlessly weaving together interviews, footage, and graphics to create a cohesive and engaging film.

Overall, When God Left the Building is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in religion, sociology, or culture. It's a powerful and thought-provoking film that raises important questions about the changing role of religion in our society and how churches can adapt and grow in response. Recommended viewing for anyone who is searching for meaning and connection in today's fast-paced world.

When God Left the Building is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.