Non-denominational churches grow as mainline congregations decline

Mainline denominational churches are losing members -- again. The National Council of Churches' annual Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches reported another decline in membership of "virtually all mainline denominations," including the second largest denomination in the U.S., the Southern Baptist Convention.
According to NCC's report, a few denominational churches showed increases in membership. Of the six church groups reporting growth (out of the top 25 churches in the nation), two are Pentecostal, charismatic or "full gospel" churches.
The denominations claiming increases include Jehovah's Witnesses (up 4.37 percent), Seventh-Day Adventists (up 4.31 percent), Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (up 1.42 percent), the Catholic Church (up .57 percent), Assemblies of God (up .52 percent), and the Church of God Cleveland (up .38 percent).
What about non-denominational churches?
Non-denominational churches are congregations that are not aligned with any established denomination or group. Instead, they establish their own methods of worship, leadership and governance without having to "act like" a regional or national organization. This gives non-denominational churches the freedom to open their doors to whomever they choose, and to worship God as they feel led.
Although NCC's report does not include data from non-denominational churches, a Wall Street Journal opinion piece cites a Baylor Survey of Religion report which claims non-denominational churches are the fastest growing Protestant churches in America. The author says he believes the growth is a result of a "natural extension of the American evangelical experiment."
Congregations Come and Go
As a long-time Christian, pastor and church planter who has seen church growth trends come and go, I'm not surprised denominational churches are shrinking. That's not to say all mainline churches are dying, some are growing. However, most I've visited are dry and lifeless, losing members, and wondering how their church will survive from one week to the next.
On the other hand, most non-denominational churches (especially charismatic ones) are attracting younger, vibrant crowds who are looking for answers. The religious climate in the United States has changed dramatically over the last few years. The institution of religion has become a symbol of weakness, stagnancy, and lack of knowledge. As a result, many people are moving away from traditional, denominational church settings, and seeking a church not based on religion, but on their relationship and experience with God.
Whether denominational or not, people are looking for the real deal. A faith defined not only by what we can't do, but by what we can accomplish through the power of prayer and trust in God. And while many continue to debate the relevancy of religion, the fact remains that Christianity is thriving -- maybe not in the same way our grandparents experienced it, but real faith in God is still alive and well in the hearts of the majority of Americans.
Kim Linton began her writing career in 2001 as a contributor for Ministrymaker.com, a Christian ministry webzine. Kim's work has since been published on a variety of websites including Woman's Day and Intel, and featured on several news sites including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.