LOUISVILLE — The Presbyterian Church (USA) has launched a campaign to slow the rate of decline to 5 percent, according to the denomination."People at the grass roots need hope and motivation," says a spokesman. "This is a positive goal we can all get behind."
The Minus 5 Campaign aims to lower the attrition rate in spite of the denomination's continued struggle with moral issues, which has led to even greater exodus of members. Instead of losing 12 to 15 percent of members every decade, the group will now "work in great unity and joy to lose only five percent."
"This is the rallying cry we've been needing," says a pastor in Pittsburgh, Pa. "It's heartening to people at the local level to know we're determined not to shrink as rapidly."
Story Link. Over to you, Gracie.
UPDATE: Allan Bevere has suggestions for PCUSA advertising.
6 comments:
This raises the 21st century issue of low expectations to new heights. What a rallying cry, "We will die a slower and more painful death, hooray".
If the goal, what a word, is to decline slower aren't they really saying, we know this all will end soon but we want to make it last a little longer. This sure would get me interested in being a financial disciple of the Presbyterian Church. "Help us stay afloat a little longer, give generously". Geez
I wish my post was a joke!!
I do think that choosing that particular goal is quite sad. However, there are still vibrant and growing PC USA congregations. I suspect that there will still be a PC USA in 100 years.
What everyone needs is a little missionary zeal. Choosing to shrink only 5% doesn't sound like much missionary zeal.
At first, I thought this was one of your "the Onion" stories. But then I read it and realized this was real. Or at least I assume it is.
How Pathetic!
I can only say that whoever set this as a goal should read the parable of the talents. I'd hate to know I had to stand before Christ at the judgement and when he asks what you did for the Kingdom, I had to reply, "I developed a plan to only lose 5% of our church's membership".
Well I think it is a great idea! Maybe the Methodists can get in on this, too. Perhaps even partner with the Presbyterians under the slogan "Losing Members Together" -- or simply "Lark News is satire".
Guys, it's Lark News. It's like The Onion for evangelicals. They make stuff up. It's satirical. Really.
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