A Renewed Mainline
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. ”
I began my study for the ministry 40 years ago this month. My entire ministry began under the veil of the declining mainline Church. The mainline loss of membership has produced ongoing grief because I believe in the wisdom and integrity of the mainline Christian Church. Finally, there is a sliver of renewed hope for the continued growth of the mainline. The pendulum might just be swinging back to what I believe is the closest form of Christianity to God’s expectation.
In his article “The rapid decline of White evangelical America?” Aaron Blake, a senior Reporter for the Washington Post, points to a swing in the mainline direction. Between 2006 and 2021, there has been a 37% decline in White evangelical Christian participation. “There are now more White non-evangelical Protestants than evangelical ones for the first time since at least 2006.” Blake continues, “The PRRI data, though, show nonevangelical Protestants actually rebounding in the past few years.” At first, I thought the white evangelical relationship with Donald Trump might have negatively affected the evangelicals and helped boost the mainline. But it is more complex than one political moment.
Please do not get me wrong; I am not cheering for the decline of the Evangelical Church. On the contrary, I believe denominational diversity is necessary. We do not need to accept God the same way or meet the same challenges to be part of the Christian family. Yet, the exclusive nature of several evangelical groups has often belittled the mainline and chosen conservative political values over Christian values of inclusivity and love.
Today, pray for the continued growth of mainline denominations, but also the Evangelical Church as well. Evangelical churches throughout the years have made a profound impact on our world. If we can get to a place where we can support and respect one another, together we can advance the great Gospel of Jesus Christ. If not, we will continue to fight over smaller pieces of the membership pie forever until it is so tiny that the Christian faith becomes irrelevant. Then, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will not just “rebound” but transform our world in Christ’s loving image.
