The long, slow death of mainline churches is well documented and goes back to the 1970s. In the mid-twentieth century, approximately half of all Americans were identified as members of one of the seven mainline denominations. Today, it’s between 10% and 15%. Not much is said about revitalizing these churches, but there is hope. Josh and Sam interview one mainline Methodist elder, Chad Brooks, who has a plan to solve this problem.

- What is your view of the “mainline decline,” and how does it inform your strategies today?
- How aware are church members of the pervasiveness of the problem?
- What makes revitalization different in the UMC than in other denominations?
- What gives you hope for the churches you serve?

Resources:

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Churchteams

Rev. Chad Brooks

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Church Answers Central

The Hope Initiative

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