How the decline of denominations is reshaping American Christianity
How the decline of denominations is reshaping American Christianity: Lessons from the Southern Baptist Convention
By Sam Rainer, Op-ed Contributor
For decades, denominations have experienced a slow-motion deterioration. The declines in any one year are subtle, but each year's cumulative effects have become a serious problem. Why should we care?
Some look at denominations like the folding divider walls in a large room — unnecessarily compartmentalizing believers into theological camps and keeping them from uniting for the mission of God. There is some truth to this perspective. However, there are far more benefits to denominations than detriments. While denominations can become too insular, they provide an institutional foundation that no single organization or network can.
"Theological consistency and clarity."
Accountability for both pastors and churches.
Clergy benefits, such as health insurance and retirement.
Training, development, ordination, and licensing.
Financial resources for church revitalization and cross-cultural mission work.
Support networks and fellowship groups.
In short, both pastors and churches have a trusted contact to call for solutions to a wide range of questions and problems. Are denominations necessary for the Kingdom of God to grow? No. Can they be good for the Kingdom of God? Yes.
Across the theological spectrum — from mainline to Evangelical — denominations are shrinking. In this article, we look closely at the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, as a case study in what's happening, why it's happening, and what comes next.
"Denominations reflect their churches"
Denominations don't exist apart from their churches. They reflect the churches within them. When there are more healthy churches than unhealthy churches in a denomination, it's healthy. It's unhealthy when there are more unhealthy churches than healthy churches in a denomination. The problem most denominational executives face is that there are typically far more unhealthy churches than healthy ones.
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