wfn.org | PC(USA) membership decline slows

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #7147 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

06-May-2002
02164

PC(USA) membership decline slows

New members too few to offset losses, but mission giving increases

by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE - The 35-year downward trend in membership in the Presbyterian Church (USA) slowed last year, according to statistics for 2001 released by the Office of the General Assembly.

But it didn't stop or turn around. The denomination had a net loss of 31,549 members for 2001, dropping total membership to 2,493,781. 

The loss is less than projected, but the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, the denomination's stated clerk, called it "still too large." 

Kirkpatrick said the fact that almost 150,000 people joined PC(USA) congregations last year is "a clear indication that Presbyterians are committed to evangelism and discipleship."

Another encouraging was an increase in church-school enrollment, historically an indicator of future membership increases. Enrollment in Christian-education programs jumped by more than 17,000 - from 1,084,347 to 1,101,478.

Infant and adult baptisms declined by about 2,000 each. There were more than 37,000 infant baptisms and more than 9,000 adult baptisms.

The number of PC(USA) churches fell by 36, to 11,142. The number of candidates for ordained ministry was up slightly, from 920 to 929.

And Presbyterians gave more to their churches in 2001: Contributions to all levels of mission reached almost $3 billion. The average per-member contribution was $1,203.

Giving to General Assembly mission increased from $53.7 million in 2000 to $58.4 million last year. Synod mission declined by $3,000, to $8,985,346; presbytery mission sagged from $36.8 million to $36.4 million; giving for validated missions and non-Presbyterian missions declined slightly. 

"The encouraging news in these numbers gives us courage to face our challenges," the stated clerk said. "Our challenges humble us and call us to prayerfully engage in carrying out the Great Commission as we are about the work of Christ through the church."
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