Numbers, Theology, and our Future

"I don't care about numbers," said the pastor of the small Southern Baptist Church where I became a Christian.  And I believe that most of the time, he didn't.  His favorite song was the chorus "People Need the Lord."  To him, numbers weren't important, people were.  Perhaps you've heard a similar refrain ring out from other ministers in both small or large churches.  I'm sure I've said it a time or two before.  But let's be brutally honest: numbers DO matter.  If they didn't, we would not publish baptism statistics, along with Sunday School and worship attendance.  In some older churches that have been around for a while (mine included), a placard exists somewhere that reports weekly participation in these areas for all to see as they pass by it on Sunday morning.

Perhaps we would be more accurate if we said something like "numbers should not be the only driving force that motivates us to do ministry on a daily basis."  Of course, that is a mouthful.  But it more accurately reflects our bi-polar attitudes towards numbers.  It's not all about numbers, but numbers play a role in measuring what's going on in our midst.  Recently, the blogosphere has exploded following the annual reporting of the Episcopal Church's numbers.  It has caused many to postulate that their decline is due to their theological liberalism.  One opinion column in the New York Times called "Can Liberal Christianity be Saved?" more than hints at this. 

This column has a sparked responses that point out the obvious fact that conservative churches are declining as well, even if not at the same rate as their more liberal brothers and sisters.  Diane Bass' direct response is entitled "Can Christianity be Saved," and points out her belief that "membership decline has no inherent theological meaning for either liberals or conservatives," since "decline...is a reality facing the whole of American Christianity."

Both articles make interesting contributions.  The former points out that being more open and socially progressive does not ensure an increase in numbers.  The latter balances this out with the reminder that even the most conservative denominations are experiencing decline.

May I be so bold as to point out something positive in the midst of this reality?  Regardless of specific theological leanings, churches and denominations of all stripes are going to be forced to decide if their continual existence is worth the struggle.  This may not sound exciting, but it is in the midst of struggle that organizations thrive or die.  People don't darken the doors of the church house simply because it is the socially acceptable thing to do anymore.  Christianity is NOT the default religion of our country like it used to be.  This fact may sadden some, and that's ok.  Laments are appropriate.  But they do not change anything. 

The hope in our current climate comes not in wishing for days gone by, but in figuring out where to go from here.  Reduction is never fun.  But in reduction, there is a chance for RENEWAL.  As the number of Christians who identify with a denomination because of family ties or social expectations becomes fewer and fewer, I'm EXCITED to see how those who are left will respond.  It is those who are left that really believe the church is worthwhile and has something to offer.  It is those who are left that believe Jesus' promise that the gates of Hell will NOT overcome his church (Matt 16:18).  How that promise bears out in our present situation is simply yet to be seen.

How do you see the current state of the Church?  What do you forsee in its future?