The greatest decline in 2007 came in the Episcopal church, which had already lost hundreds of thousands of members because of persistent controversies over lax sexual standards, including, but not limited to, acceptance of homosexual clergy. It lost more than 4% of its members, the steepest drop in the past 25 years. Another mainline Protestant group, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) suffered a 2.4% membership decline.

What should we learn from this? Several observations:

1. Many of the older mainline Protestant churches which used to consider themselves the "pillars of the establishment" are suffering the biggest declines. Churches that do not realize America is a mission field and intentionally adapt their programs for outreach will continue to die.

2. If we view America as a mission field, however, we will quickly realize it is a potentially fertile one. After all, we already speak the language of the "natives"! More importantly, large majorities of Americans claim a faith in God, and some 55% of them will visit a church service this month.

3. When they do attend worship, what they find there will determine whether they return. Religious pollster George Barna reports that 80% of American adults do not feel the presence of God in their services. If visitors discover a closed, insular country club atmosphere or a gloomy, sour spirit, they are not likely to return. If they find a God-focused worship, Christ-centered fellowship, and Spirit-filled joy, they can be reached.

4. Churches that do not teach the Bible as an authoritative Word of God don't have much to offer other than social activities and political correctness. People won't get out of bed, dress, and drive to a building on Sunday mornings simply to hear clever opinions and witty speeches.

5. Churches that do not focus on developing male leadership will not thrive. We have heard much in recent decades about gender inclusiveness, but according to pollster Mark Penn in Microtrends, nearly every major religion that allows female clergy has seen membership plummet, while nearly every major religious group that doesn't has seen a rise. Could it be possible that while women rightfully want to be personally respected, they prefer godly, considerate, male leadership in their churches?

I am thankful to be part of a healthy, Christ-centered congregation that is bucking these trends, reaching out to the lost, and actually growing!

"Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest" - Jesus (John 4:35).

-Dan Williams
El Dorado, AR
 

College Avenue