The Burge Report: Why Are Non-Denominational Churches Growing?

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Fifty years ago, non-denominational churches were more of an anomaly. Today, they are one of largest religious groups in the United States and one of only a few growing religious groups. Why is this? Ryan Burge joins the show to discuss the reasons for growth among non-denominational churches.

- The rise in non-denominationalism is due, at least in part, to the decline of institutional trust.
- At the same time, non-denominationals have consistently had higher levels of interpersonal trust. While they are deeply skeptical of institutions, they are not so wary of other people.
- Transfer growth is a major part of this story. Historically, Baby Boomers from Mainline churches transferred to larger, non-denominational churches.
- Immigration is also a key to understanding this growth as more Catholics from Central and South America gravitate towards non-denominational churches.

Resources:

Upward Running

Rooted

Ryan Burge

“Is Distrust Driving the Rise in Non-Denominationalism?” by Ryan Burge

“The Churching of America, 1776-2005: Winners and Losers in Our Religious Economy” by Roger Finke and Rodney Stark (affiliate link)

“The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?” by Jim Davis, Michael Graham, and Ryan Burge (affiliate link)

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