one of the things i’ve noticed is a decrease in “brand loyalty” amongst the younger generation – their parents might have stayed in the denomination because that’s just what you do but there is less of that sense of loyalty in their progeny.

As an Episcopalian, I’m not surprised. We’re in the same boat.

Well, I wonder what the denominational memberships are doing across the board, what non-affiliated house churches are doing, and where the defecting people/churches are going.

Are the churches closing their doors? Staying open and un-affiliating themselves with the ELCA? Are the individuals who are leaving moving to another active church?

Also, given that our church has a membership over 400 and probably only about 175 active individuals, membership numbers don’t mean can be quite misleading.

I have lots of ideas why denominations are failing, mostly centered around lack of mission and/or a robust ecclesiology.

Maybe I’ll say more later.

Arg, I should proofread my comments.

Part of it may have to do with people feeling less loyal to denominations, and what UnChristian discusses may as well. Mainline denominations have been in decline for years so this isn’t necessarily news.

It may also be due to where many of the churches are located, take for instance the United Methodist Church, many of their churches are in rural areas which are declining in population, maybe the same is true with the ELCA.

Also perhaps the ELCA needs to look at why they are in decline (along with other denominations like United Methodist, and the Episcopal Church) and other denominations are not. The Evangelical Free Church is growing, not every church mind you, but they haven’t expereinced overall decline. Much of that may be due to aggressive church planting, effective evangelism and disciplemaking, but also they haven’t had the theological controversies that other denominations have had either.

You could say the same for Christian & Missionary Alliance and Baptist General Conference. Southern Baptists once could say that, but now they are experiencing decline… much of that is due to ideological split. I could add a Baptist joke here, but I’ll resist.

Anyway, I’m sure there are many reasons and no silver bullet.

Jake, it’s as though you were eaves-dropping on my family reunion a few weeks ago! There are 5 ELCA pastors in my family (one is a synodical bishop), so most of our time together centers around church-talk.

My feeling is that there are three main categories the loss of membership falls into:

1. Folding Church – a church that closes its doors and ceases to exist. Most often, these churches are (A) in small dying towns, or (B) in a part of the city that used to thriving, but over time have become more economically depressed. (See – Central Lutheran on Des Moines’ east side.)

2. Cleaning the Roster – a church desires to have a true count of “active” members, so they send a letter to all inactive people and ask them to either start coming to church once a year (which is the membership requirement in most ELCA congregations) or indicate that they no longer desire to be a member of the congregation.

3. Leaving Mother Church – churches that have left the ELCA for theological, political, and / or practical reasons. (See Lutheran Church of the Cross, Altoona) This reason is the one that, naturally, generates the majority of the discourse.

Like most Christians, ELCA Lutherans tend to find themselves fighting over homosexuality and abortion. The ELCA is taking its sweet time addressing the current Sexuality Statement, which does not permit the blessing of same-sex unions or the ordination of openly gay pastors. The fact that this is even being discussed has offended many people, who claim that the Bible is clear on this topic and there is no room for conversation about it. Others are frustrated that the ELCA has not changed its stance on this issue and have left the church.

The other big reason congregations are leaving has to do with the Call to Common Mission, an agreement that permits Lutheran pastors to preside over the sacraments (Baptism and Communion) in Episcopalian churches; and vise versa. The ELCA has similar agreements with other similar denominations, but what made the one with the Episcopalians so touchy is that the ELCA had to agree to installing bishops into the “historic episcopate”…something I don’t fully understand. The job description / authority / responsibility of being a bishop didn’t change, but they had to agree to the “historic episcopate”. (It also didn’t help that shortly after CCM was passed, the Episcopalians installed an openly gay bishop.)

Blah, blah, blah…nobody is reading at this point.

Those three causes of membership decline don’t even take into account this PATHETIC number — 28% of ELCA members attend worship at least once a month. My belief is that the ELCA is seen as “my parent’s church”…and their parents are unable to articulate why they go to church…so the young people join a non-denominational church that appears more relevant and authentic.

That’s enough for now. Sorry for taking up so much space!!!

I think there are a lot of good points here. For me, it comes down to Identity.

I think we’ve got members of ELCA congregations who don’t know that there is a larger ELCA — or at least don’t really know what that means.

Are there denominations that aren’t worried about their membership? My guess is that they’re the ones who have a strong identity. I have friends who are Catholic who don’t really know the first thing about the Catholic church, but identify strongly with their Catholicism.

Does the same thing happen with ELCA Lutherans?

I’m not saying that there aren’t Lutherans who identify strongly with this church, but I’m not sure it happens to the same extent…

And like folks here have already said, there are a lot of reasons that contribute to the current state of ELCA identity – taking our time on social statements, a different attitude in younger generations etc.

I did have a chance to hear Bishop Hansen speak at an ELCA communicator’s conference recently. One of the things I heard the Bishop say (let’s hope I got it right!) was that he doesn’t want to become too focused on our declining membership. The idea (paraphrasing here) is that if we have a firm in our understanding of the bible (the ‘first language of faith’) and as a church, really *do* God’s work with our hands, then we really solidify our identity as a church – which, in turn, energizes and attracts membership.

That made sense to me.

I absolutely agree with Greg’s thoughts on our lack of “identity”. Dave Daubert, in his book “Living Lutheran”, would argue that we need to establish a PURPOSE for our congregations (and denomination).

Our church staff and council have enjoyed reading this book. It’s a quick read, and has the potential to bring about a real renewal among ELCA churches who actually give a damn.

http://tinyurl.com/6s5wof

In our community (Minnesta suburb)Baptist & Non-denominational are growing. Our ELCA church isn’t. The focus of the ELCA seems to be politcs, homosexuality, global warming, etc. Maybe the ELCA should focus on growing membership & faith instead! Salvation through the cross will bring people in.

The reason the ELCA is losing members is because it has abandoned the Christian principles that have been in place for 2000 years under Hansen’s leadership. He is pushing for a left wing agenda, and if you open the Lutheran magazine published monthly, you will see immediate evidence of this. I am a former Catholic that converted to be a Lutheran, the same religion as my husband. After 12 years, I now regret becoming a Lutheran and if I had a full understanding in my early 20s of their stand, or lack thereof, on fundamental social issues such as abortion, I would have never become a Lutheran. They need to decide where they stand on social issues and be done with it and stop with these “talks” and ongoing dialogue that is just pure nonsense and prolonging the misery felt by members such as myself.

Jules – I think you might want to consider doing some additional research into some of the accusations you’re making.

Your suggestion that left-wing politics is anti-Christian is absurd to me. Are you claiming that anyone who considers themself a “liberal” or a “leftist” isn’t Christian? If so, you may want to consider reading your Bible a little more fully, and not just pick out the verses that support your politics. “Left-wing” ideals such as caring for those who are sick, in prison, or homeless are taken directly from the mouth of Jesus. While I don’t believe that “Jesus was a Liberal”, I certainly don’t think that all Christians have to be “Conservative”.

That aside, the ELCA has no affiliation with any political agenda – left or right wing. What evidence can you offer to support your claim that the Lutheran Magazine promotes a left-wing agenda?

Bishop Hansen was elected to lead and guide the ELCA, but he wields very little power in his role as Bishop. He can’t make any decisions on policy or practice without the approval of the Churchwide Council, or, in most cases, a 2/3 vote by the Churchwide Assembly. Perhaps your confusing Bishop Hansen’s call with the call of the Pope in your former denomination. The Pope calls a lot of the shots in the Roman Catholic church…Lutheran Bishops do not.

Also – Lutherans and Catholics are the same RELIGION (Christianity), just different denominations within that religion.

You might want to take a closer look at the ELCA Social Statement on Abortion. I think you’ll find that they have a lot to say about this very important issue. You might disagree with the church’s position, but I don’t think you can argue that they don’t “take a stand”.
http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-Statements/Abortion.aspx

In terms of “unnecessary dialogue”, I’m not sure what you mean. All churches have ongoing discussion on the issues facing the people in the church. Perhaps you are not interested in discussing things like human sexuality, but I know a lot of church bodies that think it’s important to talk about. Martin Luther believed that the church should “always reform” – and true reform doesn’t happen without prayer, study, and discussion.

There are lots of things contributing to the declining membership in the ELCA – Bishop Hansen, the Lutheran Magazine, and the fictitious “left-wing agenda” are not among them.

There is no reason to "discuss" or do "studies" on sexuality as it is a mute point. Sex is to be had between men and women who are married for purposes of loving each other and making babies. End of story. Luther said marriage is between a man and a woman. The entire Missouri Synod opted out of the merger in 1986 because they got wind of what was indeed a homosexual agenda. The ELCA should pray to God I never win the lottery as I will sue them to extract what used to be the ALC out of them. We would never have voted for this merger had we known the hidden agenda behind it. We were 2.5 million of the 4.5 million to become the ELCA. I will always be a Luteran but I wont be attending any ELCA church any more. I am in an Evangelical mega church that holds that marriage can only be between a man and a woman and if you don't like it, there is the door!

I attend an ELCA church but would NEVER join or contribute. The ELCA is now nothing but a Unitarian church with a social justice agenda. The ELCA church is the closest and that is the only reason I go. I'm confessional Lutheran and refuse to approve of this nonsense in the ELCA. The day when a lesbian pastor shows up or I hear a sermon on global warming is the day I leave church forever.

The ELCA is total BS and the laity knows it. That's why they are leaving in droves – and taking their families with them. You'll end up like the Episcopal church – a few gay priests and women pastors and no one in the pews. When your theology becomes as soft as the ELCA's has become, people either leave for a church that offers sound doctrine or figure that if all there is to Christianity is feel good "me -ism" and social justice, that they can do it on their own.

They vote on the "Human Sexuality: Gift & Trust" this August. If (and when?) they approve it, we'll have to leave too.

You can jettison the ELCA's anti-Biblical baggage and still be a Lutheran, juls, albeit in a more confessionally sound Lutheran movement:

http://www.aflc.org/ — Association of Free Lutheran Congregations

http://www.wordalone.org/membership.shtml — Word Alone Network

Hello to everyone in the forum, i have been a Luthern all my life since about the 1950's and it's with a heavy heart i say fare well. I can only say good things about my Lurthen church and the many wonderful people i have met through out the years. Many of my Christian Brothers and Sisters have gone on to heaven and i miss them and i wander what they would say and do concerning the vote taken by the ELCA "but wait" i do know what my Christian would say to me and that is ( RUN )………GOD BLESS

I to am an ELCA member and in light of this last vote on sexuality I am leaving, as in running for the door before the fire falls from heaven an consumes all. I will not look back as being a pillar of salt is not for me. Most ELCA members I know are leaving. Twisting gods word to fit an agenda will cost them more than just members I'm afraid. God Bless

I am a Lutheran and former Seminarian and I have a couple of thoughts as to why the decline- ____#1- fewer children being born- Lutheran families used to be larger than they are now.__#2- the ELCA doesn't stand for anything- even the new rules on sexuality don't really make a statement.__#3- the Bible has become a relative book- meaning that the church (and its members) pick and choose what part of the Bible they wish to follow.

Come home juls.

Honestly, I think that the Church does not meet the young couples issues as much as it used to and I think the ELCA should give basic definitions of what a Lutheran is and Advertise it. and then teach us all that growth will not change or identity but serve to strengthen it!

I think that a lot of the decline in mainline denominational churches and be tied into the birth control. When those in mainline churches quit relying on those in their church to have many kids — they declined.

The reason people are leaving is because they do not agree with the liberal agenda the ELCA is pushing on people. Hansen is hand in hand with Obama's agenda for this country and people don't agree. It is plain and simple, really. Our church lost six families and one person wants their marriage annualed and his name removed from any church record: an extreme, but he feels that passionate about the direction this church is headed. I have not been to church since the ruling and I am in a state of turmoil where to turn. As a former Catholic, I feel drawn back to the Catholic church, yet I also want to sit this out and wait to see what CORE will do.

The Christian church is a spiritual body of followers of Jesus. The ELCA is (thankfully) in decline because its leadership has chosen to reject Jesus and make its own way. Once a church leaves Jesus, there is no real reason for its existence other than to keep nice buildings in cities and make a dent into social problems like domestic abuse, hunger and homelessness.

Will the last one out please turn off the light?

As an outsider to the ELCA, I am astounded by the lack of perception of most of those commenting here as to why your denomination is declining. I would think it would be obvious to you, but you keep coming up with excuses to explain away the decline. We are receiving your former members at our church in droves, and it is because you have rejected the Bible as being God's truth.

Throughout the history of the United States, as soon as a denomination declares that the Bible is not the absolute Word of God to be obeyed, their membership starts declining. Bible-believing churches have no problem growing or getting new members. Our church grew from 3,000 to 8,000 people in 2008.

Erik U is a perfect example of your problem. The question asked was "why are people leaving?" If the answer isn't what Erik U wants to hear, he begins defending his politics instead of recognizing that people might actually be leaving because of they disagree. And the vicious cycle continues, as more people who disagree with Erik leave, there is a higher percentage of Erik's left. This accelerates the decline even further, until you only have Erik U's left, and they don't stick around because it's become just a social club of "do-gooders" who want the world to change but don't want to follow Christ. That's when the denomination ceases to exist.

To all those who are concerned with your decline in membership, are you willing to commit to adhere to the Bible and its teachings no matter what it costs you?

Jesus made it clear that not one jot nor tittle of God's Word would change until the end of time. If you disrespect His Word, God will withhold His hand of blessing from your denomination.

We're not running social clubs here people. We're serving God. He's real and He has a will.

As an outsider to the ELCA, I am astounded by the lack of perception of most of those commenting here as to why your denomination is declining. I would think it would be obvious to you, but you keep coming up with excuses to explain away the decline. We are receiving your former members at our church in droves, and it is because you have rejected the Bible as being God's truth.

Throughout the history of the United States, as soon as a denomination declares that the Bible is not the absolute Word of God to be obeyed, their membership starts declining. Bible-believing churches have no problem growing or getting new members. Our church grew from 3,000 to 8,000 people in 2008.

Erik U is a perfect example of your problem. The question asked was "why are people leaving?" If the answer isn't what Erik U wants to hear, he begins defending his politics instead of recognizing that people might actually be leaving because of they disagree. And the vicious cycle continues, as more people who disagree with Erik leave, there is a higher percentage of Erik's left. This accelerates the decline even further, until you only have Erik U's left, and they don't stick around because it's become just a social club of "do-gooders" who want the world to change but don't want to follow Christ. That's when the denomination ceases to exist.

To all those who are concerned with your decline in membership, are you willing to commit to adhere to the Bible and its teachings no matter what it costs you?

Jesus made it clear that not one jot nor tittle of God's Word would change until the end of time. If you disrespect His Word, God will withhold His hand of blessing from your denomination.

We're not running social clubs here people. We're serving God. He's real and He has a will.

Oh, by the way, Erik….caring for the homeless, the sick, and the poor are not left wing causes. Study after study have been done and it turns out conservatives are the ones caring for the needy of this world. Liberals talk a lot about it, but statistically, they are very stingy with their money and don't do anything to help. Conservatives on the other hand don't talk about it, but they do it.

The real liberal values are: sex whenever you want it with whoever or whatever you want with no consequences, no authoritative morality, class envy (i.e hatred of the rich), and controlling others through government. None of those are God's values and you cannot call yourself a follower of Christ if that represents your heart.

Oh, by the way, Erik….caring for the homeless, the sick, and the poor are not left wing causes. Study after study have been done and it turns out conservatives are the ones caring for the needy of this world. Liberals talk a lot about it, but statistically, they are very stingy with their money and don't do anything to help. Conservatives on the other hand don't talk about it, but they do it.

The real liberal values are: sex whenever you want it with whoever or whatever you want with no consequences, no authoritative morality, class envy (i.e hatred of the rich), and controlling others through government. None of those are God's values and you cannot call yourself a follower of Christ if that represents your heart.

agreed. Couldnt have said it better myself.

"fewer children born." Yep. It is now acceptable to be on birth control or have an abortion and it be socially acceptable in church. God makes it clear in the bible to be fruitful and multiply. Society is dying off.

I have to say as a former LCMS Lutheran society changes, Gods word doesnt. The elca is losing a lot of members because they water down scripture.

"ELCA Social Statement on Abortion."- You are walking around with blinders on. The Lutheran general hospital performs numerous abortions every year. And guess who supports this hospital? Elca! Look it up. Women arent having abortions to save their lives, or for rape, it is being used as regular birthcontrol.

"There are lots of things contributing to the declining membership in the ELCA – Bishop Hansen, the Lutheran Magazine, and the fictitious "left-wing agenda" are not among them." Those are the biggest reasons people are leaving. Sorry, hate to break it to you. Its hard to follow a religion who disregards scriptures from the bible. The elca has no foundation. They choose what they want to hear and then disregard what they find offensive in the bible.(which isnt) God is truth, he is love, and he is also JUSTICE. We will all be judged one day. I believe we should always accept everyone but never condone to sin. Never make excuses for peoples sin. This is not made to be offensive. I left the Lcms at 17 years old. I felt the lutheran church had nothing to offer me as im sure thousands feel this way.

I am an ELCA pastor and am proud to be one. Perhaps some more conservative churches are growing because they ARE telling people what they want to hear: "You are the righteous ones…..God loves capitalism and wants you to be rich…..You don't really have to think through tough moral issues, just read the Bible in a simplistic, anchronistic way, with absolutely no understanding of the culture and times in which it originated…..You are the only faithful Christians—-everyone else is at best deluded, and at worst, demonic."

I am an ELCA pastor and am proud to be one. Perhaps some more conservative churches are growing because they ARE telling people what they want to hear: "You are the righteous ones…..God loves capitalism and wants you to be rich…..You don't really have to think through tough moral issues, just read the Bible in a simplistic, anchronistic way, with absolutely no understanding of the culture and times in which it originated…..You are the only faithful Christians—-everyone else is at best deluded, and at worst, demonic."

After reading all of the comments most of them in one way or another deal with the same sex issue and the ongoing strife it has placed individuals and congregations in. Therefore I wouls say the biggest problem the ELCA faces is it's abandonment of biblical principles. I build Churches for a living, one non-denominational church in Michigan is in the middle of nowhere. People come from 5 counties just to attend that church and we just added 12,000 sf to that church. I am currently on the roll of a ELCA Church but plan on leaving soon as a result of the actions taken by the ELCA in MN on the issues of human sexuality. Our Church has become more of a community center instead of a place where the word of God is taught. How can they now teach the word of God since they have now corrupted it. The ELCA has even come out with it's own bible "The Book OF Faith" which excludes the teaching that homosexuality is a sin. I truly feel sorry for Bishop Hansen and the others of the ELCA because you have led your church and people down a path that is not consistent with the teachings of God, rather the lusts of man and as it is written, they will be judged.

After reading all of the comments most of them in one way or another deal with the same sex issue and the ongoing strife it has placed individuals and congregations in. Therefore I wouls say the biggest problem the ELCA faces is it's abandonment of biblical principles. I build Churches for a living, one non-denominational church in Michigan is in the middle of nowhere. People come from 5 counties just to attend that church and we just added 12,000 sf to that church. I am currently on the roll of a ELCA Church but plan on leaving soon as a result of the actions taken by the ELCA in MN on the issues of human sexuality. Our Church has become more of a community center instead of a place where the word of God is taught. How can they now teach the word of God since they have now corrupted it. The ELCA has even come out with it's own bible "The Book OF Faith" which excludes the teaching that homosexuality is a sin. I truly feel sorry for Bishop Hansen and the others of the ELCA because you have led your church and people down a path that is not consistent with the teachings of God, rather the lusts of man and as it is written, they will be judged.

After reading all of the comments most of them in one way or another deal with the same sex issue and the ongoing strife it has placed individuals and congregations in. Therefore I wouls say the biggest problem the ELCA faces is it's abandonment of biblical principles. I build Churches for a living, one non-denominational church in Michigan is in the middle of nowhere. People come from 5 counties just to attend that church and we just added 12,000 sf to that church. I am currently on the roll of a ELCA Church but plan on leaving soon as a result of the actions taken by the ELCA in MN on the issues of human sexuality. Our Church has become more of a community center instead of a place where the word of God is taught. How can they now teach the word of God since they have now corrupted it. The ELCA has even come out with it's own bible "The Book OF Faith" which excludes the teaching that homosexuality is a sin. I truly feel sorry for Bishop Hansen and the others of the ELCA because you have led your church and people down a path that is not consistent with the teachings of God, rather the lusts of man and as it is written, they will be judged.

I know a book that could work an even better renewal among those left in the ELCA. It's called The Holy Bible. Oh, that ELCA churches would hear the changeless Word of God over the shifting, worldly voices of society.

I know a book that could work an even better renewal among those left in the ELCA. It's called The Holy Bible. Oh, that ELCA churches would hear the changeless Word of God over the shifting, worldly voices of society.

I know a book that could work an even better renewal among those left in the ELCA. It's called The Holy Bible. Oh, that ELCA churches would hear the changeless Word of God over the shifting, worldly voices of society.

A-men, Eric!

I honestly think this was happening before the statement on Human Sexuality. I have a feeling it is because most Lutherans do not know nor have they studied their history. Most do not even know what the Augsburg confession is, much less have read it. They do not really understand the theology, nor do they try. If we studied our history which is rich and full of God's word and if we proceeded to share our pride in that history, then things would turn around. It would also help us understand our differences. In order to grow, you have to start with fertile soil (learning). We need to incite passion in our Church again!

I honestly think this was happening before the statement on Human Sexuality. I have a feeling it is because most Lutherans do not know nor have they studied their history. Most do not even know what the Augsburg confession is, much less have read it. They do not really understand the theology, nor do they try. If we studied our history which is rich and full of God's word and if we proceeded to share our pride in that history, then things would turn around. It would also help us understand our differences. In order to grow, you have to start with fertile soil (learning). We need to incite passion in our Church again!

Erik,
Jules has a point. One who cares for those who are sick, in prison, or homeless are not "leftists." Those who take money from everyone else to fund the above and other agendas (planned parenthoods slaughter of unborn chilkdren, etc.) are leftists. There are caring Chistians across the political spectrum.

To learn about genuine Lutheranism, get a copy of the Book of Concord from your church library, and some biographies of Martin Luther, including Bainton's "Here I Stand." If you know the small Catechism, try reading the Large Catechism by Luther, and the Augsburg Confession. Unfortunately the ELCA is no longer Lutheran, although it has had a Lutheran "heritage" or past. See for yourself how far the ELCA has strayed from Lutheranism and Biblical Christianity.

A friend once referred me to the Wittenberg Trail online. I would encourage you to Google that and "Issues Etc." I was baptized and raised in an LCA church (which joined in the merger of the ELCA in the '80s). I know what I'm talking about.
Peace!

Erik,
Jules has a point. One who cares for those who are sick, in prison, or homeless are not "leftists." Those who take money from everyone else to fund the above and other agendas (planned parenthoods slaughter of unborn chilkdren, etc.) are leftists. There are caring Chistians across the political spectrum.

To learn about genuine Lutheranism, get a copy of the Book of Concord from your church library, and some biographies of Martin Luther, including Bainton's "Here I Stand." If you know the small Catechism, try reading the Large Catechism by Luther, and the Augsburg Confession. Unfortunately the ELCA is no longer Lutheran, although it has had a Lutheran "heritage" or past. See for yourself how far the ELCA has strayed from Lutheranism and Biblical Christianity.

A friend once referred me to the Wittenberg Trail online. I would encourage you to Google that and "Issues Etc." I was baptized and raised in an LCA church (which joined in the merger of the ELCA in the '80s). I know what I'm talking about.
Peace!

A Church-Wide Assembly (national convention) can never over-ride God's Word revealed in the Holy Bible. God is the same yesterday, today and forever! Societies and nations, with their so-called values" will rise and fall, but God's Word remains forever!

When a "church" leaves God's teaching, it is no longer church, no matter what it may look like by outward appearances. Having bishops, and dressing in clerical collars does not make a church Christian. May God rescue those who are still lost in the ELCA. May He have mercy on us all.

A Church-Wide Assembly (national convention) can never over-ride God's Word revealed in the Holy Bible. God is the same yesterday, today and forever! Societies and nations, with their so-called values" will rise and fall, but God's Word remains forever!

When a "church" leaves God's teaching, it is no longer church, no matter what it may look like by outward appearances. Having bishops, and dressing in clerical collars does not make a church Christian. May God rescue those who are still lost in the ELCA. May He have mercy on us all.

A Church-Wide Assembly (national convention) can never over-ride God's Word revealed in the Holy Bible. God is the same yesterday, today and forever! Societies and nations, with their so-called values" will rise and fall, but God's Word remains forever!

When a "church" leaves God's teaching, it is no longer church, no matter what it may look like by outward appearances. Having bishops, and dressing in clerical collars does not make a church Christian. May God rescue those who are still lost in the ELCA. May He have mercy on us all.

I attended a synod assembly last month for the first time in 14 years. I truthfully say that my experience 14 years ago was very positive and I recollect how I reported to my church council to thank them for sending me to that assembly. My experience last month was the absolute low point of my 53-year experience as a Lutheran. The ELCA is on track to self-destruction. The numbers are telling. Six hundred thousand have left in the last two years. Grab what's left of your Lutheranism and take yourself and your loved ones to safety. Make a new Lutheran synod, or join another church and make it better.

As the Episcopalians drift further and further to the left, the mainstream Christian faith no longer sees you as a real denomination. Once your older members (60+) die off, the main body of your denomination will fade completely. The gay community has infiltrated your leadership, and their desire for acceptance is so strong that its willing to change the very organization it wants acceptance from.
In fifteen years, the Episcopal Church will be gone.

Matt,
do you really think that more missions or ecclesiology would increase membership?
The answer is so simple…leadership. Being a pastor means little any more. You can graduate from a seminary with a degree and become a pastor. You don't even have to believe in Creation or the entire Bible. You can be gay and be a pastor. We have women (sorry ladies) that are leading churches. Sorry ladies, but the men in the church need to be led by a strong, Bible believing, man. Political correctness and tolerance was weakened us. Men no longer seek leadership from their church. Men are husbands and fathers. When the men don't want to attend church (or see the leadership as valid) – how long can the women and children attend without them?

The truth hurts.

the first problem is that you see the church as a brand.
the church isn't a business.

Erik,
we stopped going…
1. I won't be lead by a church that accepts gay leadership
2. the worship is terrible
3. many churches are going for the praise music and flashing videos. its great to hold peoples attend – but I don't see it as church. I've been told repeated that worship isn't about me, and that the choice of music isn't important. so, after my opinion is dismissed, I don't go much.

You are absolutely correct. I was reading the comments before you and couldn't help but wonder if everyone but you here is out in space and disconnected from the church – meaning the people in the pews, not the study groups, not the church boards, not the academics. We, the the church, despise what is happening in the ELCA. If it wasn't for the fact that I have no other Lutheran church close to me, I'd leave in a second.

You hit the nail on the head with this:
As an outsider to the ELCA, I am astounded by the lack of perception of most of those commenting here as to why your denomination is declining. I would think it would be obvious to you, but you keep coming up with excuses to explain away the decline. We are receiving your former members at our church in droves, and it is because you have rejected the Bible as being God's truth.

I suspect that the ELCA is being dragged in this direction by a large number of closeted and not-so closeted gay men and women who are in positions of leadership. It's stealth jihad.