Significant Shift: American Protestant Churches Increasingly Identify as Non-Denominational Evangelicals

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Over the last 50 years, the number of evangelicals identifying as “nondenominational” has risen dramatically, growing from less than 3% in the early 1970s to nearly 35% in 2022, according to the General Social Survey. Once seen as a fringe group, these evangelicals, who often choose warehouse buildings for their congregations, now make up a significant portion of American Protestants.

Approximately one-third of the U.S. population identifies as Protestant, a diverse group with over 140 million adherents. This reflects a broad spectrum of beliefs and practices, capturing a significant portion of the American religious landscape.

The U.S. religion census indicates that the number of nondenominational congregations has risen by nearly 9,000 churches over the past decade, while traditional denominationalism has seen a sharp decline.

For instance, membership in the United Methodist Church has plummeted from 11 million in the late 1960s to under 5 million today. Similarly, The Episcopal Church now reports only 400,000 attendees on “a good Sunday,” according to Ryan Burge, a religion statistician and associate professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University.

Ed Stetzer, dean at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology, highlights a shift towards large nondenominational Protestant churches among American evangelicals. He observes a decline in the number of practicing Christians but an intensification of faith among those who remain, describing it as a “reduction sauce.” Additionally, the rise in the religiously unaffiliated, or “nones,” has plateaued, with Gen Z men attending church more frequently than women, marking a historical first.

“This is clearly the largest trend inside American Christianity,” stated Mr. Stetzer. “The trend, put simply, is toward large nondenominational Protestant churches, specifically evangelical ones.”

“The percentage of practicing Christians is declining, but those who remain are expressing their faith more seriously,” Mr. Stetzer explained. “It’s kind of like a reduction sauce: as the numbers decrease, the intensity increases.”

“Millennials and Gen Z Christians, in particular, are showing signs of greater commitment, even as they navigate a cultural landscape where being religious sometimes comes with a price,” he added. While a “serious expression” of faith for some might not involve the fog machines, drum kits, and praise teams common in these churches, these elements have proven effective in attracting young members.

“The rise of the ‘nones’ [people with no religious affiliation] has actually paused over the last two or three years,” Mr. Stetzer observed. “For example, young men in Gen Z are attending church at a higher rate than Gen Z women. That’s the first time in American history we’ve seen that.”

Steve Harmon, a professor of historical theology at Gardner-Webb University, observed, “There is this movement of younger evangelicals experiencing dissatisfaction with their own tradition and finding a historic connection through liturgy. There is an attraction to that among young people.” He also noted that nearly one-third of adults aged 18-34 feel lonely frequently, with single adults feeling lonelier at a rate of 39% weekly compared to 22% of married adults. “This is why a young Christian adult now is probably going to look for a community where they find authentic community,” Harmon explained.

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