Adding and Subtracting

I think you can draw a conclusion that one should not be caught up in the size of a church - there is excellent, amazing, Kingdom of God-building work going on through churches of all sizes. But, if the indicators are that a church is receding, that key numbers are going down, that could be something to watch out for and analyze. But, all in all, with regard to church growth, we have to make sure that we, who are members of the Church, the body of Christ, are moving forward in our Christian life. In Acts 2, we see a snapshot of the early Church, which states:
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

The believers were being "steadfast," according to verse 42 - they were meeting together and moving together, they were united in worship, and the Lord was "adding" to the church - daily! That's a tremendous measuring stick.  

Southern Baptists met this week in Dallas for their annual convention.  Prior to the annual gathering, as is customary, Lifeway Research, which is an arm of Southern Baptist publishing entity, Lifeway Christian Resources, conducted the Annual Church Profile survey.  Baptist Press, in its opening sentence, shared this summary:

In 2024, the Southern Baptist Convention baptized more new members than in any of the previous seven years but still saw an 18th consecutive year of overall membership decline.

There are now just over 12.7 million members in congregations affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention - that's down 2 percent from 2023. But, with just over 250,000 baptisms, that's a 10 percent increase.

Here's another factoid for you:

In 2024, an average of more than 4.3 million people worshiped weekly in a Southern Baptist congregation, and more than 2.5 million participated in a small group Bible study each week. Both of those were up more than 5 percent compared to 2023.

Scott McConnell, Executive Director of Lifeway Research, stated, regarding the overall decline in membership: "The largest portion of membership declines come from churches acknowledging that certain members are gone for good and removing their names. Other drops come from churches that close or leave the Convention,” adding, “Newcomers to the entrances of churches definitely help, but membership will continue to decline as long as the exits remain active.”

The Lifeway Research website has further information, including this church size analysis: 

The smallest churches are an increasing percentage of the Southern Baptist Convention. In 2018, 38% of congregations fell in the smallest category, fewer than 50 in attendance. In the 2023 ACP, those churches represented 43% of the SBC. Seven in 10 churches in the SBC see fewer than 100 people at their weekly worship service, including 27% that average 50-99 and 43% that average less than 50 attendees each week.

Regarding churches of attendance of 100 or greater, "One in 5 (20%) are between 100-249. Fewer large churches are part of the Convention, with 6% averaging 250-499 for their services and 4% climbing to 500 or more."

Numbers can be important, because, as I've heard it said, numbers represent souls - and that is certainly meaningful, especially in the evangelistic sense.  I think it is telling that the Bible relates that 3000 souls were saved on the Day of Pentecost.  

The numbers can also remind us that the Church is comprised of people - it's not the building, even though places to gather are important, as well. But, the local church ultimately is the sum total of the people who associate with it.  And, the effectiveness of a local church body is determined by its willingness to be used of God.

There are over 12.7 million people who call themselves Southern Baptist.  That is highly significant.  Because those gathering in Dallas not only conducted denominational business, but their presence is a show of spiritual connectivity and power to the world around us.  Their sending of people into the mission field and resolutions they adopted that reinforce Biblical teaching can be inspiring. 

Yes, I would say there are multiple reasons the Convention is declining.  There is an abundance of church options out there - and, unfortunately, options to separate from a faith practice. And, as I and others have said, spiritual drift is a real and present problem that must be guarded against and dealt with when it appears.  When it comes right down to it, the number that counts the most is ONE - one Christian believer who has a one-on-one relationship with the one true God.