The United Methodist Church has lost about 25% of its membership since 1970. With an average membership age of over 60, as existing congregations continue to gray the rate of decline will get faster and faster. Because of this trend, I'm convinced the UMC will basically be no more in 25-45 years. What do you think? And is there any way to reverse this trend?
2007-07-16 07:47:37 · 8 answers · asked by Keep On Trucking 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think the sooner the better - I know that sounds harsh, but I have very strong convictions about this.
My husband's father and grandfather were both UMC ministers, and honestly, there's not a person in their family that can REALLY tell you why they believe what they believe. We attended various Methodist churches for many many years and I could never figure out why I wasn't growing spiritually. It's because there's NO MEAT on the bones anymore. The various pastors would read a scripture verse before the sermon and then never refer to it again during the sermon. It just seemed like it was a lot of ritual without a lot of reason or logic or critical thinking - it was bubble-gum or feel-good theology, basically. This may not be true of all UMCs - maybe it was just our conference.
When we moved to another town, we decided to visit many different denominations before we made a decision where we would go. It was at this time that I had a huge revelation. When you go to a Methodist church, you never ever see anyone carrying their OWN Bible into church. In order for someone to really understand what God says and to really examine their lives in light of His word, they have to study the word, re-study the word, examine it, research it, etc. If you have a whole "flock" of people that do NOT have a "study to show thyself approved" mentality, then they are just there to be told what to believe. That is waaayyyy dangerous, because there are a lot of people that will lead you astray.
THIS is what I believe will be the downfall of the UMC and I think it should be. If a church does not reinforce the need for the Bible to guide the Christian's walk, then they are using potentially fictional doctrine and we all know where that leads to.
2007-07-16 08:06:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I disagree. You're projecting a trend that is a possibility, but may not actually occur.
I don't think the UMC will go anywhere, anytime soon, and that's only because members of the UMC have kids, and it's perpetuating the church.
My wife is a Methodist, just like everyone else in her family. I'm a non-denominational Christian. I try to follow the original teachings of Jesus as they were taught minus all of the procedural nuances that is inherent of the UMC, or the like. The chruch we attend is located in a small farming community. The majority of the people there are parents, like myself, 30's-40's in age. Only a small number of folks that attend are above age 55. While this may be a random occurance to this area, I can't help but wonder how many other communities that are out there that are similar.
2007-07-16 08:07:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel a lot of affection for the Methodist Church, that's where I grew up. Of all the Protestant sects they seemed incredibly sensible; small "c" conservative and yet with a great social conscience.
Sadly, I think it's their moderate views that have worked against them; Bible-thumping, "Final Days" and Hellfire are so much more emotionally consuming.
I'm 55 and I don't go; I'm more of a Buddhist now.
Maybe they should move more to their social activist roots and take a position of inclusion of the groups disenfranchised by the Fundies?
2007-07-16 08:23:32 · answer #3 · answered by Divadarya: trans n' proud 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe all fundamentalist denominations, especially in small towns are having problems. They have not changed or updated the delivery of their messages.
However, I attend a UMC in downtown Dallas...and membership in the congregation has more than tripled in the past ten years. Why? They have reached out to all in the community....regardless of socio-economic status, race, gender, or sexual orientation....all are welcomed to worship.
I believe many churches are unable to sustain their membership, because they are closing their doors to many...they only welcome those that buy into their fundamentalist beliefs...and as the world becomes more intelligent ...fewer and fewere fundamentalists exist.
2007-07-16 07:56:13 · answer #4 · answered by G.C. 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Seems to me the UMC is mostly getting rid of the bad ones.
2007-07-16 07:52:04 · answer #5 · answered by LabGrrl 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Revelations 3:15 says "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
If a church is lukewarm, it will fade away. A church has to stand for something.
2007-07-16 08:56:53 · answer #6 · answered by Isolde 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To reverse this trend they need to get back to the Bible. They have become so liberal, supporting homosexual marriage and abortion, etc... People are leaving the Methodist church because the Methodist church has left the Bible.
2007-07-16 07:53:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
Yes, the non fanatical churches will die out first.
2007-07-16 07:52:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋