Church of the Brethren membership falls again in 2004.

Overall Church of the Brethren membership continued to decline in 2004, according to year-end figures collected by the "Church of the Brethren Yearbook," published by Brethren Press. The denomination reported a net loss of 1,280 members last year, down just under one percent from the previous year. It is, however, a smaller decline than in 2003, when the Church of the Brethren had a net loss of 1,363 members.

Reported membership for the Church of the Brethren in the US and Puerto Rico is now 131,201. The figure does not include membership of Brethren bodies in other countries, including Nigeria, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic.

In the US, seven districts reported a net increase in 2004, while 16 saw a decrease. Atlantic Southeast District had the largest percentage increase, up 2.3 percent (a net gain of 44 members). Mid-Atlantic District had the largest numerical gain, with a net increase of 57 members (0.57 percent). The districts of Idaho, West Marva, Michigan, Northern Ohio, and Oregon/Washington also reported gains.

The middle and western parts of the denomination reported the biggest declines, with Missouri/Arkansas District down a net 12.9 percent, Southern Plains down 8.62 percent, and Pacific Southwest down 5.17 percent. All four Pennsylvania districts and both Indiana districts also reported declines, however, some exceeding 2 percent. Atlantic Northeast, the denomination's largest district, had the largest reported numerical decline, with a net loss of 217 members (1.44 percent).

The number of full congregations decreased by one, to 1,024, but the number of fellowships and projects increased from 37 to 44, suggesting a burst of new church plants. Total reported average worship attendance remained nearly steady from a year earlier, at 67,591 per week.

"Yearbook" figures are based on data provided by congregations that turn in updated statistical reports; 71 percent did so for 2004. Denominational membership has declined every year since 1974, and has been on a downward trend since the early 1960s.

The "Church of the Brethren Yearbook" lists contact information and statistics for the congregations, districts, and agencies of the denomination, as well as related Brethren organizations and church staff. The 2005 edition will be available soon from Brethren Press—call 800-441-3712.

Source: 04/27/2005 Newsline
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