“Although the number of SBC-related congregations grew, reported membership of those churches declined more than 100,000, down 0.7 percent to 15.9 million members. Primary worship attendance declined 3.1 percent to 5.97 million Sunday worshippers.”
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
Southern Baptist Convention in 2012: more churches, fewer baptisms, lower attendance
Since 2005
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Discussion
NewDecline or reform?
Perhaps these statistics represent a more serious, Biblical approach to “doing church.” Perhaps more churches are being careful to be sure “professions of faith” demonstrate genuine conversion before baptism. Perhaps more churches are employing a more serious approach to preaching, expository more than topical, which is less attractive to unregenerate professing Christians. Perhaps these statistics actually manifest spiritual renewal rather than decline. Perhaps.
G. N. Barkman
NewGood Point
Very good point, Bro. Barkman
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
NewThe membership roles in the
The membership roles in the SBC are famously bloated. I wonder if the decline is partially churches cleaning up membership roles so that people who’ve been dead for 20 years aren’t counted.
NewThe membership roles are
The membership roles are famously bloated. That works too.
1 Kings 8:60 - so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other.