Four Potential Church Responses to Rise of the Nons

by Mark Tidsworth, Founder and Team Leader

Last week I introduced Ryan Burge’s research on the rise of non-denominational churches in this USA, with possibilities for how denominations themselves might respond (in case you missed it - https://www.pinnlead.com/blog/2023/8/8/rise-of-the-nons). You’ll find a link to the original article embedded within the article linked above. If you care about the Christian landscape in this country, it’s worth reading.

This week, I would like to suggest four responses for churches themselves to consider as they respond to this emerging dynamic.

First, accept the reality of these changes, laying aside denial or extremism.

How do we know if we are avoiding this issue, avoiding giving it appropriate attention? One indicator is denial - pretending the rise of the nons is insignificant, unworthy of our attention. Admittedly, I was there five years ago, but I’m not able to stand in that place any longer. Burge’s research makes it clear non-denominational churches are growing while denominationally-based churches are generally declining. A second indicator we are reactionary is going to the opposite extreme, immediately disaffiliating from any denominational connection. Both of those seem to be reactionary, driven by unchecked emotion rather than spiritual reflection, dialogue, and guidance. Instead, let’s allow ourselves the opportunity to digest this information, recognizing and accepting its validity, trusting God and each other while moving toward healthy responses.

Second, affirm the rich heritage of your denominational identity.

As we engage with churches from so many denominational traditions, it’s clear they are shaped by certain values, theologies, and practice. The majority of these churches greatly appreciate their heritage, regardless of the popularity of denominational identity. I’m hopeful that one response to the changing religious landscape is to harvest what’s good, healthy, and life-giving in your church’s denominational identity.

Third, this is an excellent time to adjust your denominational identity expectations.

Two dynamics are at play here. First, when Christ-followers are looking for a church, the denominational identity of a church is a lower priority for them than in the recent past. Over the last fifteen years, I’ve used a warm-up activity with church staffs, lay leadership teams, and entire churches when beginning training or inspirational events with them. They are asked to arrange themselves on a tape line according to a variety of fun ice-breaker kinds of questions. Then, I often ask them to separate into groups regarding whether they have always been a part of this denomination versus part of another in their Christian journey. Over the years, the group who’s been a part of numerous denominations has grown dramatically versus the “thoroughbreds,” so to speak. It appears as if denominational identity when choosing a church is less of a priority than it used to be.

The second dynamic at play is the “marketing” value of denominational identity. Because of the first dynamic described above, potential new members used to show up at our churches because of the name on our signs identifying us as denominationally-connected. Now, not so much. In fact, the denominational name on the sign may discourage a visit to worship.

The bottom line is that our expectations must change. We cannot lazily lean our denominational identity as a marketing tool for bringing us new members. There simply aren’t many fish left in that pond.

Fourth, see what you can learn from nondenominational churches.

What are they doing that people will leave denominationally-based churches to join them? What about their emphasis on small groups is helpful and attractive? How are they engaging their communities? What in their worship is engaging? What are they doing that we want to avoid? These are some questions to pursue. We can learn something from everyone. Probably our takeaways will be a mix of things to pursue and others to avoid, but either way, we will become more clear in our identity and effective in our ministries.

Fifth, you are invited to translate the discomfort and angst of these changes into motivational urgency for joining God’s transformational mission.

Though we allowed ourselves to rely on denominational identity for member recruitment, it was never about that. It’s always been about the mission of God as expressed through God’s church and in the world. We are called to join God’s mission to transform this world toward the kingdom or commonwealth of God.

Why would people want to join with our churches then? Because they recognize we are caught up in pursuing the beautiful Way of Jesus, partnering with God’s mission. When any other answer overshadows this one, we are diluting the power of the gospel. Thank God for your denominational identity, while not expecting it to do for us what we are called to do for ourselves – pursuing the winsome and attractive Way of Jesus.