Mark D. Roberts has been an articulately expressing concern at the direction of the PC(USA) with respect to their understanding of the Trinity and the ordination of homosexuals. Mark noticed this analysis by Steve Levin of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette on mainline denominations losing impact on the nation.
Excerpt: “Today…secular culture defines mainline churches’ dialogue on everything from social issues to politics and morality, tellingly shown this summer at the emotional and acrimonious national gatherings of the Presbyterian Church USA and the Episcopal Church.”
Levin observes these disturbing trends:
** Huge membership declines in the Presbyterian Church USA, United Methodist Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Episcopal Church from declining birth rates and weaker denominational ties have sapped their collective strength.
** The mainline churches have been paralyzed by internal theological and political debates. Stark divisions between denominations’ “liberals” and “conservatives” make it difficult for Christians even to communicate with one another.
** Secularism — the number of people who say they have no religious affiliation — has increased to 14 percent of the American adult population, up from 8 percent in 1990. That segment’s growth easily has outpaced that of any religious denomination.
** Church giving is down. According to Empty Tomb, a mission research and advocacy organization in Champaign, Ill., per capita giving among 11 mainline denominations in 2003 was 2.5 percent of income, less than the 3.3 percent of income that was given in 1933 during the Great Depression. What is being given is being focused on salaries and in-house programs, not missions and evangelism.
Is it time to leave the PC(USA)? Roberts plans to stay. He has a series of interesting posts on what’s good about denominations.
Being in a denomination can bring many blessings. But is it worth being in a denomination at the expense of gospel clarity? Can two walk together unless they be in agreement?