The Future of Mainline Denominations
Recently, I have written several articles designed to introduce my readers to a variety of perspectives related to the future of mainline denominations. Leaders within the mainline denominations understand that change is essential to reverse the decades of decline.
In recent posts, I have shared many voices including those of
Also, I have considered the issue more broadly via thoughts and findings from
Today, I introduce you to another perspective:
Meet Tom Ehrich
Following a career as a staff reporter for the Wall Street Journal, Tom Ehrich attended seminary and was ordained as an Episcopal priest. He has served in parish ministry in Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina and New York. Ehrich is the founder of Morning Walk Media and the author of several books including With Scripture as my Compass, Just Wondering, Jesus: 100 Questions People Want to Ask, and Church Wellness.
Ehrich’s Way Forward
In a recent article, Ehrich wrote that the way forward is both “clear” and “within our capabilities.” He suggests four ways forward:
- First way forward: Apply best practices. Learn from churches that are growing. Stop treating ineffective habits as sacred. Pay attention to what actually contributes to wellness. Measure outcomes.
- Second way forward: Focus on people, not institutions. Be “customer-driven,” not “provider-driven.” Listen to the marketplace. Stop doing whatever we want to do, and ask what people actually need.
- Third way forward: Stop relying so much on Sunday morning worship. It hasn’t been enough for 45 years, no matter how much we have tinkered with it. Pouring more resources into perfecting Sunday worship is, literally, insane.
- Fourth way forward: Let go of “magical thinking” — easy solutions, master-strokes, grandiose plans — and buckle down to the hard work of nurturing a healthy congregation.
So What?
How would you characterize the current role of the mainline denominations within the larger American culture?
Which of Ehrich’s four ways forward resonate with you? Do you think that, if fully implemented, these four ways forward would have the ability to reverse the decline of mainline denominations? Why or why not?
In light of declines in church attendance in excess of 10% over recent years and with many denominations now facing much smaller denominational budgets, do you find yourself more inclined to work to restore your denomination or have these changes along with other factors led you to focus your efforts for reform at the congregational level?