Something is happening in American culture today that makes the phrase “I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore” a more vivid metaphor than we’d like to admit…The more traditional models are breaking down. We find ourselves struggling to find adequate ways to understand and respond to a world that is not what we have known. The institutional church is going through a radical change in this country, and the entire system is under incredible stress.

Regele and Schulz’s analysis above has borne fruit in our times. In many cities and towns throughout America, the church—Protestant and Catholic—continues to experience significant and real decline.

The moment “church decline” is mentioned, some want to look the other way and to dismiss the issue, fooling themselves to think that this is really not an issue. On the other hand, another group quickly wants to offer “postmodern responses” to “bring the church up to speed” with today’s technological times. What often happens is that these “solutions” are nothing more than a Band-Aid’s attempt to cover a hemorrhaging wound. And while these groups respond, a third group doubts whether the church can reverse the tide and regain influence in culture.

You’re not alone if you share the above views. The church’s decline is a real and serious issue, deserving our fervent prayers and energy. Yet, while these issues are formidable, it is encouraging to know that there are real answers—many originating from the church’s birth—that can address this decline in powerful ways. But it will take prayer and effort by church leaders to make real and necessary changes in order for a rebound to occur.

Some contend that the forces of secularism and all the other “isms” are too strong for the church. I disagree completely and loudly. Many current “isms” are nothing more than repackaged old “isms” that continue to fight the church. Solomon said wisely: “there is nothing new under the sun.” Nothing can stop a united, God-fullness church. Nothing, absolutely nothing.

Yet, we need to face reality. There are many churches that are declining or barely surviving. Many are declining because the fullness of Christ is not present. This begs us to ask the “big elephant in the room” question: “why?” This blog represents a conversation on this subject.

Regardless if you are an American Roman Catholic or a Protestant, you should possess concern over the decline in the church’s presence and voice. Fewer people are attending, giving, and are being spiritually born into the church.
Langdon Gilkey summarized it well:

The development of modern culture since the Reformation and the Enlightenment has seen not only the rise of science to cultural dominance; it has also witnessed the decline of the church as foundational to social existence in all its aspects, and, correspondingly, the eclipse of theological understanding as the ground of every valid field of inquiry and so sovereign over all.

This space will attempt to address some of the central issues involved in this dilemma. I welcome your feedback and response.