Stated clerk releases 2007 PC(USA) statistics; Trend of fewer members, higher giving continues

               Of those congregations that submitted their annual numbers, the total loss in membership was just over one percent from 2006. Total receipts of contributions, however, increased by nearly 29 million dollars to $2,162,131,650
               At the end of 2007, there were 2,209,546 active, confirmed members in the PC(USA), a net loss of 57,572 from the previous year. The total membership was 2,941,412. This includes 291,635 baptized but not confirmed members (mostly children) and 440,231 inactive members. These members were found in 10,820 particular churches across 173 presbyteries and 16 synods.
               Twelve congregations were dismissed to other denominations, and 71 churches were dissolved. The number of ministers of the Word and Sacrament increased by eight to 21,368. There were 93,226 elders and 64,581 deacons.
               Gains in membership by profession of faith, reaffirmation, or restoration were just over 9,000 less than the previous year.
               It is the responsibility of the Stated Clerk of the General
Assembly to maintain and publish the annual PC(USA) statistics. Membership decline in mainline denominations has been a general trend over the past two decades. Studies have indicated a number of reasons, including death, attrition of members’ children, people dropping out of
church altogether, people joining other churches and, more recently, a small number of congregations leaving the denomination.
               Commenting on the numbers, Stated Clerk Cliff Kirkpatrick said, “Any decline in membership is a disappointment, to be sure, because those numbers represent members we know and love who are no longer part of our congregations. A number of people thought the figures would be higher in 2007, with some even predicting a split down the middle, given the challenging issues with which we are grappling. However, while it is deeply painful to lose this many members for any reason, it is obvious that the vast majority of Presbyterians are committed to staying in the PC(USA) and doing Christ’s mission together.”
               Kirkpatrick went on to say, “I am also very encouraged by the statistics that show the amazing generosity of Presbyterians in their giving, no matter what. Fewer members, yet a substantial increase in overall contributions.
               “To me, that’s a sign of faithful stewardship, which grows out of engaging and life-changing ministries that are happening daily in countless ways across the PC(USA).”
               Kirkpatrick added, “I hope these figures will underscore the importance of one of the items coming to this Assembly from the General Assembly Council — a call across the church at every level to ‘Grow God’s Church Deep and Wide.’
               “Indeed, it is a call that none of us can ignore.”