I'm surprised there has been no discussion on Stetzer's data yet. I'm not going to dive into it here but I wanted to point you to a conversation that will provide a little perspective from both inside and outside of the SBC world. One of my favorite worldview commentators, Rod Dreher, has a discussion over on his blog: http://blog.beliefnet.com/crunchycon/2008/05/southern-baptist-decline.html
Rod is Eastern Orthodox and his readers come from all walks of faith or lack there of. Take a look and bring your thoughts back to the Pea Ridge if you so desire.
4 comments:
Juice:
There really is no limit to how many directions this can go.
First, the numbers:
Total membership was 16,266,920 last year, down from the 16,306,246 the year earlier.
A few things stand out to me.
1. This represents an almost meaningless drop, when one simply looks at the numbers.
2. This may represent a shift in how SBCers are treating numbers. I base this on the fact that the numbers are easy to tweak - they don't HAVE to report a drop. If folks (en masse) are starting to state the real numbers rather than the traditional method of counting people who are nominal (or dead) members, this might actually be a positive.
3. In light of the FACT that we find ourselves well into a post-denominational age, these drops mean even less. I hardly think Catholics are on the rise, nor Orthodox, and I believe even the relatively nascent PCA has stopped growing.
4. If there really is a trend back toward historicity as being important, it means people are recognizing, at least subconciously, the need for tried and true doctrine in the form of a denominational rebound. THEN it becomes bad news if churchmen don't perceive the SBC as an alternative.
It is point #4 that should bother SBCers concerned about decline. On the one hand, you are perceived as old guard, old fashioned, out of step. On the other, those seeking to renew a link between their beliefs and historic doctrine, won't go SBC because there is a thorough lack of CONTINUITY within the denomination. While I and SBCers applaud the long-held autonomy of the church, this does not assuage those needing form and function. (no hierarchy, no educational requirements for pastorate, etc) There really is no requirement for an SBC church other than involvement in the Cooperative Program.
In sum, if the contention is correct that the pendulum is swinging back in the direction of denominational participation, the SBC needs to regain credibility as a church with a viable and discernable foundation in the historic faith.
As I said, there are about 1,000 more things to be said here but these are my initial thoughts/insights.
I didn't mean to post that yet.
1 or 2 other thoughts:
- On my point 2, what if the numbers are actually worse and this IS the spin number? That's pretty scary, huh?
- I didn't mean to say "meaningless" without adding, "when one considers the state of American culture as it relates to the church".
- My own opinion on the possibility of a resurgence in a denominational approach versus a more confederative(?) approach: a very, very good thing.
- In using the phrase, "regain credibility as a church with a viable and discernable foundation in the historic faith", I did not mean to imply this should take on a Calvinistic bent. Those familiar with my beliefs might think that's what I meant, but I actually think ANY connection the SBC can make to its historicity would be a great thing. And if this leads to less of an emphasis on politics and current controversies, to God be the Glory!
This guy has a really good take on this I think....he is honest about some things Toom touched on...
http://nathanafinn.wordpress.com/2008/04/25/does-the-sbc-have-a-future/
I had a conversation with my dad about this study a few days back....as someone who worked for the SBC for almost 40 years he told me he's not surprised....The biggest problem in his mind?? The focus on baptism numbers...he thinks the numbers have become the convention's functional savior.
I think what you are seeing...and what you will continue to see...is the manifestation of the pride that has been building in the SBC for the last 30 years.....it will be interesting to see how this is handled from the top down.
Good Post. The decrease is marginal, but so many in the SBC have counted success by the number of nickels and noses for so long, that a decrease in those insights panics from on high.
Jesus never called us to draw a crowd. In fact, at one point He accused the crowd of following Him because He fed them and wanted to see signs and wonders. (wicked and perverse generation) Therefore, large numbers does not necessarily equal success in ministry, and sometimes is a result of watered-down ear tickling. The only measure of ministry is and always will be life-change, which as Henry Blackaby says that, "some things that count the most cannot be counted."
It's easy to count membership, attendance, baptisms, and the offering, but life-change is not easily quantifiable.
To the report: 1. My hope is that our "Baptist numbers" have become truth in numbers. Not long ago, I surveyed a number of Kid's Pastors on their AWANA program and my boss checked in with the ED. guys. At one church in particular, the CM said they ran 300 and the ED. guy at the same place told him 500. WHY????
2. The SBC brand is toxic to the lost. With political garbage, legalism, and just plain bad P.R. we have erected a barrier between us and those who need the Gospel. Rebranding is taking place in the form of your local "community" church. In most areas, these are SBC folks in doctrine and heritage, some don't mention their affiliation and some just drop it all together.
I for one am not disturbed by the report. In my very traditional SBC church the old SBC legalism is being supplanted by grace. Grace for the believer is becoming as plentiful as grace for the lost. Most popular reads are "Grace Walk," "Grace Rules," and my favorite "Grace Land," by Tim McVey (not the OK bomber).
We are 49% caucasion in worship and our Baptist Association is mostly made up of new Hispanic, Korean, and African church starts in Atlanta. Biblically, evangelism and doctrine are solid, and mission work is growing by leaps and bounds.
SBC disaster relief is 3rd strongest behind the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, but to my neighbors we remain those stiff, legalistic, tea-totalers.
I ramble to say that it's not all bad, but much needs to be done/changed to be a positive influence of light in the darkness.
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