Only About 1/3 of Methodist Churches are Leaving the Denomination


I've discussed the split the Methodist denomination many times here. The same narrative of what happened to that denomination continues: Christian sites continue give headlines to groups of Methodist Churches that leave the denomination to affiliate elsewhere. That over 2/3rds of Methodist churches have stayed is never mentioned. The future of Christianity is told in the 2/3rds that stay, not the 1/3 that is leaving.

The death of Rosalynn Carter reminds us of movement among factions of Christianity. In the year 2000 the Carters left one church in the small city of Plains, GA and joined another. The one, Plains Baptist Church, they left is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention which has a long history of hate, prejudice against women, gays and black people. I think a majority of churches will leave the Southern Baptist Convention but that may not be considered as big a story the majority of Methodists staying.  

That said, things are not all that bright for more modern versions of Christianity. The more progressive Baptist church in Plains, GA, the Carters joined is multi racial and open minded to diverse points of view. Yet, it is down to about 50 members and discussion is underway about its future. I've wondered if any of the four Carter children or many grandchildren are church goers. None of them live in Plains. (I might mention my wife and I spent several hours in Plains some years ago.)

I think a metaphor for Christian denominations is the treadmill. The pedals churn and participants work hard but the human ego tells each person, "I know better than those others." Thus, large denominations like the Methodists suffer splits. Inside each group that splits off other groups form who look down on the theology of some within their part of the split-off. Eventually, the group that considers itself to be superior splits again and the cycle repeats. All groups believe there is one final version of Christianity that is correct and it is theirs.

Since there never has been a solution to this constant split and split again one has to conclude no solution exists. Any group talking of splitting should review history within the faith and recognize the practice of splitting will affect their group given a few years. This kind of objective fact-based thinking probably is not easy to come by within Christianity. 

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