Adult Forum: A Conversation with Author Bob Smietana 

In his book, "Reorganized Religion," Bob Smietana, a national reporter for Religion News Service and a veteran, award-winning reporter for many prior news outlets, takes a hard look at why people are leaving American churches - and the cost to society when congregations decline. What factors are transforming the church? Why do people leave? What happens to outreach like food pantries and other parts of the safety net these institutions provide?  Why do some stay?

Indeed, the story isn't all hopeless. In looking at the future of organized religion in America, Smietana asks - will congregations retreat? Become irrelevant? Or find new paths forward?

In a candid, open conversation with attendants, Smietana will share some of his many stories and observations from decades of work as a journalist, and engage in conversation about how to find a new vision for “Reorganized Religion."