A special issue of the Journal of Lutheran Mission has published our research report concerning the demographic trends of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
Topics explored:
- Membership trends over the past 50 or so years
- Seven factors leading to membership decline:
- Delayed marriage
- Birth control
- Infertility
- Divorce
- Student debt
- Doctrinal change
- Vocational confusion
- Three recommendations for rebuilding the baptized and confirmed membership of the LCMS:
- Revive the teaching of a biblical and confessional Lutheran understanding of family vocations
- Foster intergenerational models of ministry
- Provide economic support for young and growing families