Rainer on Leadership The Burge Report: Why Are Non-Denominational Churches Growing?
May 26, 2025
Ryan Burge, a data expert and political scientist, sheds light on the remarkable rise of non-denominational churches in the U.S. He discusses how growing distrust in institutions contrasts with higher interpersonal trust among these congregations. Burge highlights transfer growth from mainline churches and the influence of immigration, particularly from Latin American Catholics, on this trend. Listeners gain insights into how these churches foster community integration and provide valuable support networks, reshaping the American religious landscape.
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Non-Denominational Growth Surge
- Non-denominational churches grew from about 3% of Protestants in 1972 to nearly a third today in the U.S.
- Their rise largely explains why evangelicalism overall has not declined despite SBC losses.
Megachurches Drive SBC Numbers
- A small number of megachurches account for a disproportionate number of SBC baptisms.
- Losing megachurches like Saddleback and Elevation causes sharp numerical drops in SBC membership.
People Avoid Megachurches
- Ryan Burge's closed church members did not join megachurches but moved to mid-sized churches.
- This reflects a preference for community size between a very small and megachurch environment.
