Back in March, I sat in on a two-day class about mainline church renewal at Perkins School of Theology's School for the Laity. The teacher was author Diana Butler Bass, recognized as an expert on the topic since her book Christianity for the Rest of Us appeared in 2006.
It's easy to see why Dr. Butler Bass is a popular speaker these days: She offers hope that mainline churches (the UMC included) can reverse years of decline by embracing their roots. For Methodists, she says, that means studying Scripture; fostering community in small groups, and rededicating ourselves to social justice.
How did we lose touch with those traditions? Dr. Butler Bass, an Episcopalian, blames 20th-century modernism for turning mainline Protestants into introverts who adhered to the gospel but kept quiet about it. She believes more conservative movements grew by talking openly about faith and calling people to hands-on ministry.
Religious journalist Mark Pinsky looks at mainline renewal, too, in an article posted this week by USA Today. It's worth noting, however, that his explanation for why we lost ground in the first place is quite different:
". . . sociologists led by Michael Hout, at the University of California-Berkeley, have found that the problem for the mainliners is not that people are souring on their theology and ideology and defecting to conservative and evangelical churches. A primary reason for mainline decline is lower fertility rates among their predominately white, native-born members, researchers say. Unlike evangelicals, Mormons and Catholics, the low birth rate among mainliners has not been offset by streams of immigrants.
"Culture has also played a role. As American Christians became more prosperous and educated, they tended in the past to join higher-status denominations such as the Presbyterians and Episcopalians. But researchers have found that this historic infusion of members has dried up as evangelicals have become a suburban, middle-class and even affluent demographic. Evangelicals are now remaining loyal to their churches."
Personally, I think Dr. Butler Bass' scenario is more plausible than the notion that it's all about demographics.
And Mr. Pinsky relies too much on megachurches as signs of renewal, citing St. Luke's UMC in Orlando, Fla., and Church of the Resurrection as examples of mainline congregations that "are defying the odds thanks to dynamic ministers, inspiring worship services, social engagement and, most critically, good locations."
Not all about numbers
It's easy to see why Dr. Butler Bass is a popular speaker these days: She offers hope that mainline churches (the UMC included) can reverse years of decline by embracing their roots. For Methodists, she says, that means studying Scripture; fostering community in small groups, and rededicating ourselves to social justice.
How did we lose touch with those traditions? Dr. Butler Bass, an Episcopalian, blames 20th-century modernism for turning mainline Protestants into introverts who adhered to the gospel but kept quiet about it. She believes more conservative movements grew by talking openly about faith and calling people to hands-on ministry.
Religious journalist Mark Pinsky looks at mainline renewal, too, in an article posted this week by USA Today. It's worth noting, however, that his explanation for why we lost ground in the first place is quite different:
". . . sociologists led by Michael Hout, at the University of California-Berkeley, have found that the problem for the mainliners is not that people are souring on their theology and ideology and defecting to conservative and evangelical churches. A primary reason for mainline decline is lower fertility rates among their predominately white, native-born members, researchers say. Unlike evangelicals, Mormons and Catholics, the low birth rate among mainliners has not been offset by streams of immigrants.
Personally, I think Dr. Butler Bass' scenario is more plausible than the notion that it's all about demographics.
And Mr. Pinsky relies too much on megachurches as signs of renewal, citing St. Luke's UMC in Orlando, Fla., and Church of the Resurrection as examples of mainline congregations that "are defying the odds thanks to dynamic ministers, inspiring worship services, social engagement and, most critically, good locations."
Surely, spiritual depth is also a factor.
But that said, his story is still an interesting read -- and offers a wealth of useful Web links.
May 20, 2008 3:54:39 PM | Commentary
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