Posted on 06/25/2011 11:16:05 PM PDT by Cronos
The number of baptisms in the Southern Baptist Convention in 2010 fell by nearly 5 percent, according to the Annual Church Profile (ACP) compiled by LifeWay Christian Resources in cooperation with Baptist state conventions.
Southern Baptist churches reported 332,321 baptisms in 2010, down from 349,737 in 2009, which represents a 4.98 percent decline. Total membership in 2010, reported at 16,136,044, represents a 0.15 percent decline from 2009 and is the fourth straight year of decline.
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“As we look upon fields white unto harvest, we should be ever aware that it is critical that we proclaim Christ to our neighbors and those we come in contact with on a daily basis,” he added. “It is critical for our churches to not just get people in the door, but to also train them and disciple them in how to share their faith.”
(Excerpt) Read more at gofbw.com ...
“It is critical for our churches to not just get people in the door, but to also train them and disciple them in how to share their faith.”
Maybe that’s why we had Rick Warren, head clown, headlining at the SBC circus this year.
My prediction is that as they become less conservative they will decline even more..
Seems that America is declining faster than expected. Wonder if Rome happened the same way...
That would be my question-where are they going to?
I've been a religious loner since.
Once the downward spiral gets going it can't be stopped. The herd instinct is too strong in too many people.
About all you can do is deny them your support.
If you look back over 200 years of religious history in the US...it has been a continual interest of churches to mess around with US politics...for or against. I think this is the reason why so many varieties of churches exist today....to meet the various religious and political motivations of society.
SBC probably losing to non-denominational groups.
Well it’s not like Catholics, the SBC only baptizes adults, and they have to be “true believers” and profess a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ” and all that before they’re allowed to be baptized, so I don’t see how assume less baptisms mean less members? What do they consider households where they have 8 kids under 18 coming with them to church, are the kids not considered “members” of the church? Confusing.
Doesn’t your bible say something like a time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine? Maybe their doctrine is too sound. Look on the bright side.
If that makes you happy to think that, you go right ahead.
The SBC doesn’t just baptize adults, they baptize children and teens but they try to make sure that the children involved have reached an understanding of what baptism and their personal salvation is all about. Many SBC pastors will speak of “reaching the age of accountability” when a children starts to understand right from wrong and can personally distinguish the pull of conscience....yay or nay. The ancient Hebrews (and Jews after the first diaspora) established that “age” as being around 12 or 13 years old.
Yep, when they get away from Biblical principals and start trending with current social mores they will rot from the inside. My non-denominational pastor says that it is the Church's job to educate and conform society to God's Will, not to conform itself to society. That's why I went nondenominational - purely Bible-driven without all the religious (man-driven) interpretations.
true
Thx.
True. it is our job to stand up against baby-murderers and gay marriage activists, against those trying to laicize our society
Speaking as a Baptist, most likely to more conservative, independent Baptist churches. I suppose some may be going to more liberal Methodist churches as well. Typically Baptists only consider other Baptist churches.
I walked out of a Baptist church last week because the service was more like Disneyland than church!
Southern Baptists aren’t conservative, imo.
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