Come to find out, all this talk about the UMC declining is simply a matter of how you look at the numbers. Sure we've lost millions of members over the past 40 years, but we've made up for it in personal growth.
According to a study conducted by Purdue University sociology professor Kenneth E. Ferraro, the UMC is now the fourth fattest denomination in America. Our brothers & sisters in the African Methodist Episcopal Church are right behind us in fifth place.
While no specific numbers are available, perhaps rather than being upset and worried about our numerical decline, we should be celebrating that our gross tonnage is on the upswing. However, even with this method of counting, we still find ourselves behind the Baptist, Catholics and even the Pentecostals.
The most obvious solution to this problem is more potlucks. We may not know how to evangelize, but we do know how to make a wicked casserole. And after all, aren't potlucks commanded in the Bible "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." (1 Corinithians 15:32)?
hahahaha!! i'll drink to that.. and by drink i mean my slimfast shake or smoothie, all depends on how much money is left over after last nights chinese buffet gorging!
Posted by: gavin | September 14, 2006 at 04:58 PM
This is good news for both conservatives and liberals, I am sure we all share in this accomplishment. I am hoping to show a net loss in growth this year, so I guess I will not be able to share in the celebration at Annual Conf. next year.
Posted by: Craig Moore | September 15, 2006 at 09:55 AM
Catholics, we've got your number! Let's make #3 by 2007!
Posted by: Nate | September 16, 2006 at 11:13 AM
where two or three methodists gather ... there is food!
Posted by: Lorna | September 16, 2006 at 03:39 PM
Potluck - The Third Sacrament!
Posted by: Greg Hazelrig | September 18, 2006 at 01:31 PM