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