Denominational membership declines by largest amount in five years.

Church of the Brethren membership declined by the largest amount in five years in 2005, down 1,861 members or 1.42 percent. Total reported denominational membership fell under 130,000 for the first time since the 1920s. Denominational membership has been on a steady decline since the early 1960s, as it has been for most “mainline” denominations in the US.

Membership for the denomination in the US and Puerto Rico at the end of 2005 stood at 129,340 according to figures collected by the “Church of the Brethren Yearbook” published by Brethren Press. The figure does not include Church of the Brethren membership in other countries including Nigeria, Brazil, India, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. The Nigerian church reported a membership of about 160,000 earlier this year.

Fifteen of the 23 US districts reported membership declines last year, one (Oregon/Washington) reported no change, and seven reported membership increases.

Atlantic Southeast District had the largest percentage increase, up 2.66 percent with a net gain of 52 members. Atlantic Northeast, already the largest district, grew larger with the largest numerical gain last year. It reported an increase of 101 members (.68 percent), for a total of 14,947.

The largest numerical and percentage decrease came from Pacific Southwest District, down 472 members or 16.38 percent. Missouri/Arkansas District dropped 12.79 percent, a loss of 82 members, moving it behind Idaho to become the denomination’s smallest district. Three other districts--South/Central Indiana, Michigan, and West Marva-had declines of 3.75 percent or more.

The number of full congregations fell by nine, but there were four new fellowships and four new projects welcomed during the year. Total reported average weekly worship attendance dropped by nearly 2,500 people from the year before, to 65,143. And the number of baptisms was at its lowest level in recent history, with just 1,660 reported. A total of 1,955 baptisms were reported in 2004 and 2,923 in 2003.

Updated “Yearbook” figures are based on data provided by congregations that turn in statistical reports. In 2005, 69 percent of the congregations reported, a fairly consistent response to previous years; 71 percent reported in 2004.

The “Yearbook” also lists contact information and statistics for congregations, districts, and agencies of the denomination, as well as related Brethren organizations. The 2006 edition is available from Brethren Press; to order call 800-441-3712.

Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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