Reconstructing Faith with Trevin Wax

Season 2, Episode 10: Better Together: Denominations and the Hope of Evangelical Renewal

Dec 21, 2023

Explore the decline of denominations and the rise of non-denominational churches in America. Learn about the concept of denominationalism and its roots in race and class divisions. Discover the importance of finding unity in Christ amidst denominational divisions. Delve into the evolution, challenges, and potential for renewal of denominations. Explore the significance of partnerships and mission in denominations. Reflect on the role of denominations in Christianity and their necessity in an anti-institutional age. Embrace the church's responsibility in modeling hope and repairing broken institutions.

01:02:30

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Quick takeaways

The decline of denominations and the rise of non-denominational churches in America is a significant trend in Protestant Christianity.

People drifting away from traditional denominations is a major story in religion reporting, highlighting the need for church reformation.

Renewing denominations and networks is crucial for the overall health of the church, requiring personal sacrifice and a commitment to preserving and improving institutions.

Deep dives

The Importance of Institutions and Reformation

The podcast explores the question raised in the show 'Loki' about the importance of institutions and how to respond to injustice and failure. It emphasizes the need for reformation rather than deconstruction and the Christian virtue of hope.

Introduction

3min

Shifting Landscape of Church Affiliation and the Importance of Denominational Renewal

3min

Denominationalism and the Diversity of Faith

24min

Finding Unity in Christ and the Future of Denominations

4min

Denominations: Evolution, Challenges, and Renewal

13min

The Importance of Partnerships and Mission in Denominations

5min

The Role of Denominations in the Church

6min

Modeling Hope and Perseverance: Repairing Broken Institutions

3min

In the first episode of this season, we looked at the reconstruction of Notre Dame after the fire, the painstaking work of refashioning and rebuilding a place that took centuries to construct. Rebuilding requires sacrifice… a dogged commitment to seeing the task through. If this is the case for churches, it’s also the case for families of churches, for networks, partnerships, conventions, and denominations. In episode two, we looked at the trend of “dechurching.” People drifting away from the church is one of the biggest stories in religion reporting right now. But the other big story is about the shifting landscape of those who do belong to a church. I’m talking about the decline of most denominations in America, and the rise of non-denominational churches in Protestant Christianity.

On this episode of Reconstructing Faith, join Trevin Wax as he asks how we look beyond our congregation to the health of the evangelical movement as a whole.

Connect with Trevin

- on Twitter: @TrevinWax
- on Facebook

Have a question you want to ask Trevin? Send it to resources@namb.net.

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Reconstructing Faith with Trevin Wax

Season 2, Episode 10: Better Together: Denominations and the Hope of Evangelical Renewal

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Importance of Institutions and Reformation

The Decline of Denominations

The Shifting Landscape of Church Affiliation

The Need for Denominational Renewal

The Benefits of Denominations and Networks

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts