Now, the study did report on newer and older churches and the attendee to baptism ratios. Here is where we see a difference, but it is a very small difference. Churches founded from 2000-2021 baptized 8 people per 100 attendees. While those churches founded between 1950-1999 baptized 5 people per 100 attendees. And churches founded from 1900-1949 baptized 5 people per 100 attendees. The longstanding church planting theory is being called into question. I challenged it years ago (given our ubiquitous church planting paradigm), but did not have stats to support my hypotheses. Few people listened then. Maybe we will listen now to Lifeway Research?
Worship attendance is declining.
For every 100 worship attendees, Southern Baptists baptize 5 people. This is part of an overall trend showing decline. Do not confuse attendees with church members. If we examine membership, then the ratio is much worse.
There is much to consider here. While we are to rejoice over those who have come to faith (conversion growth, as in Luke 15:7), been baptized, and now fruit-bearing disciples in local churches, there is also much concern. Yes, we need to keep praying, giving, evangelizing, and going. But, as I have advocated for two decades, I continue to state: a systemic shift is necessary that involves operating from an apostolic imagination which will result in rethinking ecclesiology and missiology.
This article on conversion growth originally appeared here, and is used by permission.
