While working on an unrelated research project, I recently came across some data published by the Hartford Institute of Religion Research. Though the information is now a decade old, it still seemed highly relevant today. In essence, the data showed that non-denominational churches are now the second largest Protestant group in America. Only the Southern Baptist Convention is larger.
Here are some of the fascinating nuggets from that study:
- There are more than 12 million people who affiliate with non-denominational churches.
- The research found at least 35,000 non-denominational churches in America.
- Non-denominational churches are in 88 percent of the counties in the United States.
- Non-denominational churches are one of the top five largest religious groups in 48 of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
In light of the growth of these churches, I conducted an informal Twitter poll and asked why people are moving to non-denominational churches from congregations affiliated with denominations. Here are the top eight responses in order. There is obvious overlap in some of the responses.
8 Reasons People Are Leaving Denominational Churches for Non-Denominational Churches
- Denominational churches have a negative reputation. Some respondents used the phrase “negative brand” to communicate this reason.
- Denominations are known more for what they are against than what they are for.
- There is too much infighting and politics in denominations.
- The denominational churches are too liberal. From what I can tell from these respondents, they are current and former members of mainline churches.
- There is a general waning of institutional loyalty. This trend applies to institutions such as denominations as well.
- Denominations have inefficient systems and organizations. They are often seen as too bureaucratic.
- Some respondents see no clear benefit to belonging to denominations.
- Denominations are not good stewards of their financial resources.
