How Many Denominations Study Their Members


I'm sure many of our large denominations now have task forces that are charged with developing a strategy to stop losses in membership. But, I'm skeptical as to how much those in the home office actually want to know. 

A religious survey organization, the Barna Group, has contracted with the denomination of the Church of God in Christ for an in depth look at the thoughts and attitudes of members. I'll be trying to follow this and figure out what is found.

In the meantime, it's interesting to speculate about what those in the pews are thinking. Certainly, we have seen large denominations split up over the gay marriage issue. The Methodist is the most recent.

While early on, there was one new domination that attracted those Methodists who believed gay marriage a sin. More liberal Methodists drifted in different directions, some unaffiliated and some forming new smaller denominations. Now, apparently, some of the conservative churches are not all signing up with the new brand. This is predictable--it was predicted on these pages. What members think at one moment in history usually changes over time. Denominations split up, then the split again. In Christianity there is not clear document which tells us precisely the "true belief." The Bible is always cited but actually is of little help.

When denominations like the Church of God in Christ receive from the Barna group a report on what members are thinking it will be obsolete short thereafter. Time moves on and views on religion change. If the idea is to study want members like and dislike in order to take a direction that is ward off division it may help, but only for a while.

Atheists do not have consultants surveying the "membership" to find a common direction. They are almost without disagreement there is no god. After that, atheists do not agree on what organization, if any, should represent them. Our local group cannot agree on where to have Sunday brunch. 

It's too bad Barna cannot help atheists.

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