United Methodists Try to Solve Membership Decline - Without Evangelism

[James Nored]

 

The United Methodists, like all denominations in the US, are in decline. Recently, they commissioned a study to see what to do about this. Read the article here.

 

"Of those churches, the four key factors of vitality stood out as 'crystal clear findings that are actionable,' according to the survey:

-- Small groups and programs, such as Bible study and activities geared toward youth.

-- An active lay leadership.

-- Inspirational pastors who have served lengthy tenures at churches.

-- A mix of traditional and contemporary worship services."

 

It would seem to me that these solutions are all geared towards either retaining members, or getting members from other churches. Notably absent from the survey--evangelism. Apparently, reaching the lost was neither a component of "vital churches," nor was it seen as an answer to decline.

 

It would seem that US churches are competing with one another for an ever shrinking market of Christians.

 

What do you think of the findings of this study?