Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 13

40 Things I’ve Learned in 40 Years of Ministry

It was forty years ago that I began serving a small rural church in southern Indiana. I was so incredibly green then; I’m glad I didn’t always realize it. I loved those people in that church, and for some reason, they loved me, too. I had to be one of the most inept pastors in history, but they just continued to show me grace and love me even more. 

Now, four decades later, I reflect on what I’ve learned in ministry. Some lessons came rather naturally; others were very painful.

God is always faithful. Always. Always. Always.My family is my greatest gift beyond my salvation. I wish I had always realized it.I spent too much time worrying about things that I can’t even remember today.I took too many criticisms personally. Most critics weren’t mad at me.I always grow stronger when I spend time in the Word and prayer.My wife endured a lot in our ministry. I needed to minister to her more.When I can laugh at myself, I am more effective in ministry.I learned to be more compassionate through the deaths of my parents and grandson. I can now understand the pain many experience.I am always hurt when I hold grudges.I need to ask for forgiveness more quickly.I need friends to share both the joys and the challenges of ministry.I wish my sons had not seen my frustrations when I was a pastor or a dad or a husband.Life is short. Live it totally for Him every moment.I should stand stronger for injustice.Some of my most miserable days came when I grew jealous of others in ministry.Some other miserable days came when I lived to please people rather than God.When I don’t take care of myself physically, ministry seems more of a burden than a joy.Children are young but for a season. Some of my greatest joys have been with my three sons.One of the greatest blessings of life is to have adult children who are my best friends.I’m not nearly as smart as I sometimes think I am.I’ve never seen an argument won on social media.The local church is the best imperfect place on earth.I am always wiser when I listen to the wisdom of others.Too often, I list my problems rather than count my blessings.The devil is always looking for a way to trap me (1 Timothy 3:7).The internet never forgives or forgets.My success is not measured by the size of my church or the prestige of my organization.I’ve had a lot of grace shown to me. I need to pass that gift forward more.Many people who disagree with me have proved right.I am ashamed of how many times I have not shared the gospel.The older I get, the more I anticipate heaven with excitement. I wish I had always had that perspective.I’ve needed to demonstrate kindness more intentionally and more frequently.Every church has some really mean people. God has called me to love and serve them, too.I fight pride more often than I’d like to admit.Some of my worst moments in ministry were when I lost my temper.I’ve learned who my true friends are when I have little to offer them.I need to practice the discipline of repentance more frequently.Encouragement works better than harsh words.I need to read more.My grandchildren are almost perfect.

What have you learned in life and ministry? What can you add to this list?

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How to Get Started and Choose a Bible Reading Plan for the New Year

For many women, the new year is an opportunity to create meaningful habits, and one of the most transformative habits is time with God’s Word. The challenge for many women is how to start and then consistently read a Bible reading plan amidst the demands of family, work, and ministry. The key to getting started is beginning with intentionality and grace. Here are five practical steps to help you get started and choose a Bible reading plan that’s both realistic and impactful in spiritual growth.

1. Choose Achievable Goals

The ultimate goal is obviously to be in God’s Word daily, but going from no habit to 365 days of reading in one year is daunting. Instead, shoot for goals that are achievable and fit your current rhythm of life. If you’re just starting, consider setting a goal to read 3-4 days a week. This allows space for reflection and gives you grace if you miss a day. Alternatively, you might aim for five days a week, taking weekends off to reflect or catch up. The goal isn’t perfection but consistency—taking small, faithful steps that lead to lasting change. You can increase frequency as your habit gets stronger. Keep in mind, it’s not about checking boxes but finding a sustainable rhythm to engage with Scripture.

2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Most Bible reading plans challenge you to read the entire Bible in one year. While that is a very valuable discipline, that is not the only way to approach Scripture. Sometimes there is more value in coming to understand the overall story of the Bible, and sometimes going deep into one book, rather than reading cover to cover.

Consider your season of life and your spiritual needs. If you’re seeking to know God’s character more deeply, then a slower-paced plan that includes reflection and journaling might be best. If you want an overview, then a chronological reading plan helps you to see the Bible as one cohesive narrative. Whatever you choose, remember the goal is transformation, not just information.

3. Choose a Readable Translation

The translation you choose can make a big difference in both your understanding and your enjoyment of Scripture. If you find yourself struggling to stay engaged with the Bible, you might consider a translation like the New Living Translation. The NLT strikes a good balance between clarity/readability and faithfulness to the original text, making it an excellent choice for devotional reading. Other available translations include the Christian Standard Bible, or CSB, or the New International Version, or NIV. The right translation will make Scripture more approachable and help you connect with God’s Word in a fresh way.

4. Choose Accountability

One of the best ways to be consistent in your Bible reading is to invite others to join you. Gather a group of women—coworkers, friends, or members of your church—to read along with you. Share your goals and encourage one another as you discuss what God is teaching you through His Word. Accountability doesn’t have to be formal. It might just be a weekly text check-in or even a monthly coffee date in which you discuss what you’ve read. This shared experience will keep you on track and grow the camaraderie for community and encouragement in Christ.

5. Don’t Give Up–Give Grace

Life happens even with the best of intentions. You might fall behind, or feel discouraged, after missing a day-or several days. And you might want to give up all together, but remember grace is at the heart of our faith.

If you get behind, don’t freak out. Find a place to reengage in your reading or devotional book or adjust your schedule. Remember, the point is not to stay on schedule but to regularly meet with God. Be as gracious to yourself as God is with you, and know each day you wake up is a fresh day to experience Him through His Word.

Final Encouragement

It’s less about getting started reading your Bible, more about growing in your relationship with God Himself. Begin with a prayer-asking the Holy Spirit to lead and shape you through His Word. Whether it’s a small or yearlong plan you’re getting yourself into, the time you will invest in the Scriptures will be an investment in your spiritual life. Take a step this year to make God’s Word a priority in your everyday life. Set goals that are challenging yet seem reachable, find a plan that works for you, and lean into the encouragement of others. Consistently, with grace, you will realize the joy and change accompanying setting your life on the truth of God’s Word.

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Not Just Another Year: 5 Simple Steps toward Obedience and Growth in 2025

This past August, I celebrated 50 years as a follower of Christ. I became a believer at age 13, started pastoring a small church at age 20, pastored churches for the next fourteen years, and have served as a seminary professor for the last 28 years. I wish I could say that all these years have been marked by spiritual growth, but that’s not the case. 

Frankly, no one discipled me when I was a young believer, and I’ve spent much of my spiritual journey trying to figure out how to grow in Christ. I do have pastoral heroes who model growth for me, though, and I continually watch other believers to see what I can learn from them, too. These “steps” I’m describing in this article are not rocket science—but they’ve been helpful to me as I seek to walk with Christ. Maybe one of these ideas will help

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Five Reasons Why 2025 Will Be a Pivotal Year for Many Churches

Dad told me they were tornado clouds.

I was a kid in the 1960s when he uttered those words. I was too young to realize that we might be facing a potential threat. The technology that could confirm his prediction did not exist. I have vague memories of the clouds having a different tint than typical clouds, but nothing else pointed toward the possibility that a tornado was on the way.

Dad was right. The clouds produced more than one tornado. We were fortunate that the tornadoes did not get too close to my hometown. But I will not forget his warning that a major storm was on the way.

Storm Clouds or New Opportunities?

There seems to be a convergence of issues that could have a profound effect on churches in 2025. Frankly, I could name at least a dozen issues, but these five seem to be the most likely. Their magnitude could be significant as well.

As I will note, these developments are not necessarily storm clouds. On the contrary, there are some potential God-given opportunities for wise church leaders to embrace.

Greater receptivity to the gospel by Gen Z. Those young adults and teenagers born between 1997 and 2012 comprise the group commonly known as Gen Z. Our research at Church Answers, as well as work done by Ryan Burge and others, at least implies that Gen Z is more receptive to the gospel. I cannot overstate how great this opportunity is. Over a year ago, we introduced The Hope Initiative to help churches move from being inwardly focused to being outwardly focused. Over 1,500 congregations thus far embraced the 30-day challenge. Many of the churches reached young adults and older teens for the first time in years. The words of Jesus in Matthew 9:37-38 are still powerfully relevant today: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields’” (NLT). Approximately 15,000 churches in America will no longer be able to pay a full-time pastor. Of the 375,000 congregations in the U. S., we estimate that four percent of them will no longer have the funds to compensate a full-time pastor. This shift is enormous, and it might be more significant. Since over one-half of churches today do not have the budget to pay full-time pastors, we can easily see the part-time pastor model becoming the dominant model. The term “bivocational pastor” begins to disappear. That term needs to go away because it is no longer relevant. “Bi” means “two,”  and many part-time pastors have more than two jobs. The more accurate term is “co-vocational,” which is a broad term with many possible meanings. For example, I am friends with a person who serves as a pastor of two congregations while holding down a full-time job in the business world. He is actually closer to a modern-day manifestation of the circuit rider pastor who rode on horseback to serve different churches. Churches should prepare for this transition to the part-time pastor model. It is already the model in a majority of churches. It will soon become the dominant model. The median time a church will have between pastors will be longer than 18 months. Indeed, a growing number of churches will do without a pastor for two years or more. The role of the interim pastor will be even more critical in 2025. And frankly, denominations and networks must be prepared to resource co-vocational churches, circuit-rider churches, and interim churches to be relevant to the congregations they serve. The day of churches with a full-time pastor serving in traditional-model churches is going away soon. About 15,000 churches will close. Many of these churches held on tenaciously, but the number of congregations facing imminent closure has grown. For the first time in modern church history, 15,000 of the churches will cease to exist in a period of one year. Notice that we are projecting that 15,000 churches will close and that 15,000 will move from full-time pastors to part-time pastors. Those 30,000 churches represent about one out of twelve existing churches. The change is dramatic.

Though the challenges are significant, I remain an obnoxious optimist about the future of congregations in America. Let me hear your perspective in the comments below. What do you think about the five issues I noted? What would you add to the list of significant changes?

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Five Powerful Prayers for Your Christmas Eve Service

Most churches will have more guests during a Christmas Eve service than in any other service throughout the year.

What will you say to God with all these new people listening?

As pastors, we have the unique opportunity in a Christmas Eve service to lead our congregations—and numerous guests from the community—in prayer.

These five prayers can serve as guides, helping to set a joyful tone and celebratory atmosphere for the birth of Jesus.

Prayer 1: Open with a prayer of anticipation for the Savior’s birth. Build a sense of expectation and readiness. This prayer should invite everyone to encounter the wonder of Christmas. Jesus, the Messiah, has arrived.

Begin your prayer, “Christmas is more than a holiday tradition. It is a time to worship with anticipation. God sent the Baby Jesus to remedy all wrongs. We celebrate His first coming, and we anticipate His second coming.”

Prayer 2: Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of Jesus. Focus on gratitude as you pray. This prayer helps shift the congregation’s focus from material gifts to the ultimate gift: Jesus. Expressing gratitude encourages the church to remember that Christmas is about receiving God’s love and showing it to others.

Begin your prayer, “Only one gift ultimately matters. Grace is unmerited favor from an unobligated Giver. We worship God’s lavish gift to humanity, the Christ-child who has come to save people from their sins and give life to all who receive His grace.”

Prayer 3: Ask the congregation to join you in a prayer for peace. Reflect on Jesus as the Prince of Peace. Have two or three short moments of silence during your prayer where people can pray with you. This prayer invites the congregation to leave behind the world’s worries and focus on the peace that only Christ brings. As you pray, mention those who may be carrying burdens or stresses during the holiday season and ask the Holy Spirit to comfort them.

Begin your prayer, “Prince of Peace, hope originates with You. As we remember Your humble entrance into our world tonight, we ask that Your peace dwells within us, around us, and through us. Help us to be peacemakers, to bring light into the darkness, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.”

Prayer 4: Emphasize God’s love in a prayer for unity. A Christmas Eve service is the perfect time to emphasize how Jesus calls us to be active agents of good in this world. This prayer reminds everyone that we are not just a gathering of individuals but a family brought together and unified by Christ’s love.

Begin your prayer, “Father, believers are united today by the birth of Your Son, Jesus. Help us to love each other as You have loved us. Make this love overflow to our neighbors and anyone. You place in front of us. Fill this gathering with the warmth of fellowship and a deep sense of belonging to Your family. May the love born in a manger continue to grow in each of us, drawing us closer to You.”

Prayer 5: Conclude with a prayer pointing to God’s presence. Contentment is found when you seek and delight in God’s presence. Close your Christmas Eve service by pointing to God’s renewal. While we do not know the future, we can trust God’s presence with us every day of the new year.

Begin your prayer, “Lord, as we celebrate Your birth, we look forward with hope to the year ahead. We don’t know what it will bring, but we trust that You will be with us each step of the way. May the joy and wonder of Christmas stick with us beyond this night, reminding us that You are Emmanuel, God with us. Help us to walk in faith, to serve with love, and to live in hope.”

Those who are detached from the church will often return for sentimental reasons on Christmas Eve. Family members who never go to church will capitulate and attend. For most churches, approximately one-third to half of attendees will be guests at a Christmas Eve service. Make sure you pray powerfully and remind everyone of the true meaning of Christ’s birth.

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How the Rise of Evangelical Distrust Is Making Evangelism Harder

The most important book written in political science in my lifetime is Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert Putnam. It’s a thick volume with hundreds of thousands of words and dozens of graphs that point the reader to a central conclusion–Americans aren’t joining and participating in organizations anymore.

The book’s title comes from a simple data exercise where Putnam tracked the number of people in bowling leagues over nearly 100 years. What he found was that folks were quite simply bowling alone now. He also showed similar trends in membership in groups like the Elks, the Moose, the VFW, and the Boy Scouts. What worried Putnam the most was not just the decline in participation in these groups but the implications for society. He popularized the term “social capital,” which has become part of the lexicon of social science. Put succinctly, social capital is the

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Why Are 30% of Your “Active” Church Members Absent on a Given Sunday?

Are any of you old enough to remember “perfect attendance awards”? 

It’s been decades since I have been in a church that provides such recognition. It’s quite the feat. It means a church member has shown up for 52 or 53 consecutive Sundays in a calendar or church year. 

Sam Rainer began writing about attendance frequency over 15 years ago. His research has become a staple fixture in our understanding of the behavioral patterns of church members. In fact, he has demonstrated on multiple occasions that a decline in attendance frequency is typically the number one reason for the overall decline in a church. 

When “Active” Members Are No-Shows 

We have also noted that in most churches, a person who attends church at least twice a month is considered an active member. In fact, many leaders in a church will attend only twice a month. In other words, they are absent half the time, but they still qualify as leaders. 

In a recent discussion at Church Answers Central, our 24/7 church leader forum, our participants engaged in a conversation about the “30% factor.” It is a number that represents the number of core or active members who will be absent on a given Sunday. It was a fascinating discussion. I rarely see or read about the attendance patterns of the most active members in a church. 

Delving into the 30% factor for “Active” Members 

While I cannot empirically confirm the accuracy of the 30% factor, I believe the number is close based on our consultations and interactions with church leaders. After reading the conversation at Church Answers Central, I wanted to know why this factor is true. Why do our most active members fail to show up on a given Sunday? 

Here are the five most common reasons for the 30% factor. It attempts to explain why three out of ten of your church’s active members will be absent on a given Sunday. 

Low expectations by the church. Most churches at least implicitly hold a low view of church attendance. They fail to communicate the biblical and vital importance of the gathered church. Instead of embracing the high priority of attendance, they relegate it to just another activity on the week’s calendar. I strongly encourage leaders to include faithful attendance in their church membership classes. In fact, based upon the New Testament pattern of the gathered church, I am not shy about advocating that members should attend every Sunday unless providentially hindered.Low priority of church members. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average absentee rate for full-time employees is 0.8%. That’s less than one percent! Employees show up because they want to keep their jobs or improve their careers. Their commitment might be economically motivated, but it is a priority. Fewer than one percent of employees miss work, but 30 percent of “active” church members miss church. Note that I place quotation marks around “active” in this article. I am not convinced that many of these core members are really active members.Challenges for older church members. American congregations are aging faster than the general population. On a given Sunday, an older person might not be able to get out of the house due to weather or sickness. These churches with older church members can expect one out of ten elderly members to be absent on a given Sunday due to legitimate reasons. This reality will grow since the median age of church members continues to rise.The COVID factor. Most churches were closed for a season during the pandemic. Some were closed for several months. During the quarantine, church members became accustomed to staying home on Sundays. They got out of the good habit of church attendance. Some of them rationalized that attendance was not that important. Their world did not collapse when they were mandated not to gather for worship. The COVID factor affected our churches’ most committed members as well. That mindset still lingers.Failure to hold church leaders accountable. I am convinced that this factor is more significant than most church leaders realize. When those in our churches in leadership positions fail to demonstrate truly committed attendance, their example affects the rest of the church. I jokingly say that a person who attends only half of the time is defined as an elder or deacon. But I am not really joking. It is one thing to ignore the low frequency of attendance of church members. But we must hold leaders accountable. They have no business being in a church leadership role unless they attend almost every Sunday.

Legalism at Work? 

Is it possible that we can get so strict about attendance that it becomes a legalistic issue in our churches? I guess it’s possible, but I see very few churches being in danger of advocating attendance to an extreme. The greater danger is that churches have not communicated biblical expectations of gathering every Sunday. No-show church members have become an accepted reality. 

What are absentee patterns in your church? How often do your most committed members attend? Does your church have clear expectations about the attendance pattern of church leaders? Is the 30% factor at work in your church? I would love to hear from you.

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Why I Started Studying Spiritual Warfare, and How My Story Might Help You as a Church Leader

I’ve studied and written about spiritual warfare for more than thirty years now. In fact, you can study the topic with me through the Church Answers “Church Equip” course, “Engaging in Spiritual Warfare.” In some ways, that short course reflects the core of what I’ve taught over the years. 

What I don’t always talk about when I’m teaching this topic, however, is why I started studying warfare in the first place. 

My father drank when I was quite young, and he had a violent, explosive temper for many years. My first memory is a time when my dad was angry at my mom for being at the store too long, and he destroyed the bottom floor of our home. Now more than sixty years later, I can still walk you through that house and show you the upheaval as if it happened yesterday. Every detail remains etched in my mind. Even my Christian conversion at age 13 did not erase that memory—or many others, for that matter. 

Indeed, more than once I stood between my mom and dad—both of them towering over me when I was younger—hoping to shield my mom as she shook and cried in fear under the barrage of my dad’s verbal assaults. I was equally afraid, but I felt a compulsion to somehow guard my mom. In fact, I lived in dreaded fear of my dad until I was big enough to stand up to him (or more likely, just avoid him)—but the fears of my young years then turned to hatred in my teen years. 

Again, though, my conversion at age 13 didn’t free me immediately from those feelings; it just left me confused under what I would later learn was Holy Spirit conviction. It would be more than 15 years later before I found victory over that anguish. That’s where the topic of spiritual warfare entered my story. 

Healing began for me unexpectedly one day when I read a Bible verse I had read many times before, but didn’t see its significance until then:

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens” (Eph 6:12).

It seemed as if this text leapt off the page to me, teaching me that my dad was not my enemy; in fact, people in general are not the enemy. Rather, there is a supernatural enemy who wanted to keep me afraid, angry, and unforgiving. The father of lies (John 8:44) sought to keep me in bondage to my enduring bitterness toward my earthly father. 

On the other hand, realizing who the real enemy was became the first step toward God’s healing my anguish toward my dad – so much so that I found it much easier to pray for his salvation until God finally saved him when he was 71 years old. To God’s glory, He so transformed my dad that we almost didn’t know the new man who hugged us, told us he loved us, and exhibited joy and peace. God had miraculously freed my dad from the domain of darkness (Col 1:13-14).

How, then, does that story help me today? 

I pray more. When you know a very real spiritual enemy wants to deceive, distract, and destroy you and your family, you’ll pray more. You’ll learn to fight spiritual battles from your knees.I love lost people much more since recognizing they are “blinded by the god of this age” (2 Cor 4:3-4). They’re caught in the same trap I was caught in prior to God’s saving me. No matter who they are or what they’ve done, I want them to know His redeeming, freeing grace.I handle interpersonal conflict in the church differently. If people aren’t my enemy, I can genuinely love them even when I must confront them. I don’t want the enemy to win in any of our lives.I forgive others much more readily. All of us are responsible for our actions, despite our battles with the world, the flesh, and the devil (Eph 2:1-3); so, accountability and repentance really do matter. Still, it’s easier for me to forgive others when I realize we’re all facing the same enemy.I train believers differently when I equip them to do evangelism. They’re engaging in the war when they take the light of the gospel into the darkness, and I want them to be prepared. I spend time in my training to help them wear the full armor of God and pray (Eph 6:10-20).I give more attention to learning the stories of people I shepherd and disciple. Many of them bear scars similar to mine, but they don’t talk about their pain. In their silence, the enemy keeps them bound—so I want them to talk to me.I love even more what I do. Spiritual warfare makes ministry harder, but Jesus already disarmed the powers through His cross (Col 2:15). You and I have the responsibility of announcing victory that is both already achieved and still to be completed. What a privilege! 

May God grant you victory over the enemy today!

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Advent: Finding Purpose in the Waiting

Advent is a sacred invitation—a time to pause, reflect, and refocus on what matters most. As women, we navigate seasons of life that are often marked by waiting, longing, and deep yearning for connection. The beauty of Advent is that it meets us exactly where we are and points us back to God’s promises and purposes.

1. Advent Speaks to the Heart of Every Woman

Waiting is a shared experience for all of us. Whether it’s waiting for a college acceptance, the results of a job interview, the joy (or heartbreak) of a pregnancy test, or the final call letting us know a loved one has passed, waiting often shapes our lives. Advent reminds us that waiting isn’t wasted. It’s a sacred space where God works for His glory and invites us to see more of Him. Whatever season you find yourself in—whether one of anticipation or pain—know that He is present, shaping your story in ways you may not yet see.

2. Advent Reminds Us We Are Not Alone

The holidays can be bittersweet. For many, they bring loneliness—the empty chair at the table, the distance from loved ones, or the pain of unresolved relationships. But Advent reminds us that we are never truly alone. God pursued us so passionately that He became Emmanuel, “God with us.” That truth is a gift for your heart and one to share with others who are hurting or feeling unseen this season. His presence is a promise that we are known, loved, and never abandoned.

3. Advent Calls Us to Purpose in the Busyness

It’s easy to lose focus during the holiday season. From decorating for the women’s Christmas event to perfecting recipes for gatherings, the busyness can eclipse the purpose. Advent calls us back to the reason we celebrate: the story of redemption. This season brings unique opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those who might otherwise feel far from Him. Maybe it’s the friend who joins you at a Christmas Eve service or the neighbor who accepts an invitation to the Women’s Christmas Dinner. Advent reminds us to lift our eyes beyond the tasks and to see the mission right in front of us.

4. Advent Draws Us Into Worship

As women, we often pour ourselves out for others, especially during the holidays. But Advent is a call to stop and worship—to come to the manger and be still before the God of the Universe who wrapped himself in the skin of a baby. Worship isn’t just for Sunday services or candlelight gatherings; it’s for every day of Advent. When we worship, we’re reminded that Jesus doesn’t ask for perfection but for our hearts. Let the wonder of this season renew your spirit, so you can serve from a place of fullness rather than exhaustion.

Advent is more than a tradition; it’s a rhythm of remembrance. It draws our hearts back to God’s promises and His presence, offering us purpose and peace in the middle of life’s uncertainties. As women leading others to the heart of God, let’s step into this season with hearts open to what He wants to show us—about Himself, about our mission, and about the beauty of waiting.

Click here to download the Advent Reading Plan and consider using it in your women’s ministry or alongside the women you lead. Journeying through Advent together can deepen your connection to Christ and to one another this season.

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The Realignment of Churches in America

It isn’t just a political realignment taking place in America. There is also a profound realignment of churches. 

For most of our nation’s history, we have categorized churches into two broad categories: denominational and nondenominational. It was neat, easy, and comfortable. If you were a Christian, you were connected to a church in one of two major groups. The labels fit nicely. 

Then, in the denominational category, we had two main groups: mainline and “other” (not all churches in this latter category considered themselves “evangelical”). 

There was also the assumption, mostly correct, that the mainline churches were declining and the “other” churches were not. Those assumptions do not hold today. Mainline churches are not just declining; they are rapidly declining. In 1970, mainline churches accounted for 30% of the U. S. population with about 62 million members. By 2000, the mainline percentage was cut in half to 16% of the

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