Oct
08
2009
Michael Lindsay: Denominationalism in a Changing America
SESSION 10
SPEAKER: Michael Lindsay, sociologist from Rice University
TITLE: Denominationalism in the Changing Religious Landscape in North America
THE GIST: The chief dividing line in American religion today is between believers and non-believers. The group of “nones” (those with no religious affiliation) is growing quickly. Institutional loyalty may be decreasing, but denominations play an important role in American religious life.
BRIEF OUTLINE:
There is a growing number of those who claim to have no religious affiliation.
Among these “nones,” one in five claim that religion is still important to their lives.
Americans increasingly dislike institutions, including organized religion. But institutions still matter.
The typical American congregation’s spending has increased 16% over the past 10 years. Yet, the average giving to denominations has decreased by 19% at the same time.
59% of evangelicals have changed denominational identities at least once in their life.
The Continuing Need for Denominations
- Denominations offer accountability.
- Denominations have convening power. (They allow leaders to marshall resources, share information, and deflect criticism.)
- Institutional gravitas is needed in our era, because our world is complex. (Long-term sustainable influence comes through institutions – providing rules, roles, and records.)
- Denominations reward the right things. (Awards attract the attention of the church, reorienting our behavior.)
MEMORABLE QUOTES:
We cannot all be outliers.
Power is most potent when it is taken for granted. (Institutions have this affect on us.)
Scan the horizon for opportunities and for threats; this is the pastor’s responsibility.
Pastors should visit their church members at their places of work. Knowing your people at work will help your people engage at church.
The SBC needs to be a nimble network, not a stolid bureaucracy.