Mainline Protestantism has been in decline my entire lifetime. Since it is the tradition I know best and the one that has shaped and continues to shape my religious identity, I strive to understand these changes. The Presbyterian Church (USA) was created by a merger of the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. and the Presbyterian Church in the United States in June 1983. In one of my more popular blog posts - Presbyterian Decline: PCUSA -The First 35 Read More …
Trends
The Only Major Denomination That Keeps Growing (#2023)
Decline is the one word summary we all know summarizes the state of American Christianity, especially when focusing on membership numbers. It is true that the decline came earlier for Mainline Protestants, but also true they've been joined by Evangelicals. According to sociologist Ryan Burge, only one major Protestant denomination, "has seen consistently positive year over year growth over the last four decades." That denomination is the Assemblies of God. AoG on SWF The Assemblies of Read More …
Today We Grieve (#2005)
I've lived through too many difficult days. Some of the worst of these days are so traumatic and generate such a tremendous impact that they are marked by the widespread ability to the answer to the question, "Where were you when you heard the news?" Where were you when you heard the news of planes striking the towers on 9/11? Where were you when you learned that the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade? Initial Response I was shocked by my initial response. Looking back, I Read More …
Saying Goodbye to Hardin-Simmons University (#2001)
Seminary is an important formation experience for those called to vocational ministry, and in many traditions a seminary degree (often a M.Div.) is a requirement for ordination. For many years, I was proud to tell the story of my experience at Logsdon Seminary at Hardin-Simmons University, and was glad to let others know I was a graduate (M.Diiv., 2001). Sadly, with the University's decisions to move in a very different direction theologically, I'm now at a place where I'm forced to say Read More …
Ten Unanswered Questions About HSU’s Statement of Faith (#1998)
Over the last three days, I've been more engaged in conversation about Hardin-Simmons University than I have at any time since graduating from Logsdon Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in 2001. And, I've been asked far more questions than I can answer. This is happening because the University has chosen a new direction, and has made that direction more clear in the publication of a new Statement of Faith. I've attempted to summarize and categorize the unanswered questions I've Read More …
Ten Reasons for Concern About HSU’s Statement of Faith (#1997)
It is a big deal when a Christian University adopts a Statement of Faith. It is an even bigger deal when such a university is part of a non-creedal tradition. To achieve this outcome one would normally envision a robust process of considerable length that engaged all stakeholders, including students, alumni, supporters, faculty, and staff. In the case of Hardin-Simmons University it appears that not only were these important groups not a part of the process, they were unaware that there was a Read More …
One Emergency Expense Away (#1993)
The majority of Americans are one emergency expense away from being unable to sustain their current lifestyle or from going in to greater debt. Vehicles break down and require unexpected expensive repairs. People get sick and need medical care that often comes at a significant financial cost. Dozens of other life challenges occur that necessitate spending well beyond the normal monthly budget occur from time to time. And, according to an annual survey conducted by Bankrate, only 44% of Read More …
Pandemic Posts: Wisdom for Ministry During the Time of COVID-19 (#1990)
When COVID-19 was initially announced no one knew how to respond, and everyone wondered how long it would last. Over the last two years and two months, I've written 35 posts focused on ministry during a pandemic. This post provides a comprehensive listing of these vital resources. In-Person Worship Attendance: Continued Challenges (April 2022) All Saints & All Souls in a Pandemic (November 2021)Pandemic Worship: 10 Sacred Spaces (October 2021)Mask Up (August 2021)Latest Church Trends: Read More …
Mainline Decline: 1990 to 2020 (#1989)
I've been hearing about Mainline decline for my entire life. As a lifelong participant in multiple denominations within this tradition, I don't remember a time when I was not a part of conversation about what's been happening and why. And, as someone who has served 9 congregations affiliated with denominations in the Mainline Protestant world, I know the practical challenges this trend presents to the local church and to denominations. Decline - The Last 30 Years I was confirmed in Read More …
PC(USA) Membership Declines by 62% (#1984)
Since the denomination was formed in 1983, the Presbyterian Church (USA) has experienced a membership decline of nearly 62%, shrinking from 3,121,238 members in 1983 to 1,193,770 members in 2021. The year over year decline from 2020 to 2021 resulted in the loss of 51,584 members, which equals an annual decline of 4.1%. Given recent losses this net loss is well within the range one would expect. 2021: -51,584 members2020: -56,691 members2019: -50,635 members Older and Grayer More Read More …