The legendary "one-third factor" still seems to be on target. Among active churchgoers, one-third are mentally fragile; one-third are terribly lonely - desperate for fellowship in a safe haven, the Gospel an aside; and, one-third are in the ordinary category.
In the last grouping, at least one-third of ordinary folks are looking "for solace only and not for strength." They do not want to hear anything challenging from either the pulpit or parish educational opportunities.
Consequently, only a minority within most congregations are able and willing to share effectively in ministry and to grow intellectually. The majority prefers "peasant religion." (See www.philosophy-religion.org/world/peasant.htm .)
Too many from the "mentally fragile" category are most willing to be at the forefront of congregational activities! Unwittingly, they focus on meeting their own needs. Furthermore, they often repulse the relatively few ordinary people who would be effective ministers.
A major evangelical task: invite more ordinary people into parish life and ministry. But, how?