In an unusual departure from the style of this podcast, Thom and Jess look at American Protestantism in the 21st century, highlighting 10 amazing contributions and 10 abject failures. For number 21, the Rainers give American Christianity a “grade” they believe is objective based on the past 25 years. They will take four podcasts to take you on this journey.
Part 4: Abject Failures of American Protestantism in the 21st Century
6. Weak Response to the Sexual Revolution – Many Protestant groups have struggled to offer a coherent, compassionate, and biblically faithful response to cultural changes regarding marriage, gender, and sexuality.
7. Declining Evangelism and Church Attendance – Fewer Protestants actively share their faith, and younger generations are increasingly disengaged from institutional religion, contributing to church closures.
8. Racial Divisions Continue – While multiracial and multiethnic churches are growing, racial reconciliation efforts within Protestantism remain inconsistent, and Sunday morning remains one of the most segregated hours in America.
9. Financial Unsustainability – Many churches struggle with declining giving and financial mismanagement, leading to budget cuts, staff reductions, and the closing of once-thriving congregations.
10. Failure to Engage Thoughtfully with Culture – Many Protestant churches oscillate between cultural accommodation (watering down biblical teachings) and cultural hostility (retreating into isolation) rather than engaging culture redemptively with both truth and grace.
Resources:
Episode Sponsor:
Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.
-
- We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.
- We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission.
- Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.
- Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.
- Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.
Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.
Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers
- Introducing Upward Running! We’re excited to bring you Upward Running for adults—Upward Sports first step into adult sports ministry. This sport is hands down, the easiest to get up and “running.”
- Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides training plans, access to the new RunClub app for run tracking and community building, and a fully customizable package to fit your timeline—led by your dedicated run coach.
- Simple to Start: All you need is one passionate leader. No facility required—your church parking lot is all it takes to launch this impactful program.
- Build Stronger Connections: Use running as a way to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, grow spiritually, and expand your church’s outreach.
- Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
