Growing LCMS church

 Source:  Lutheran marketing ideas

Lutheran marketing ideas: 

As of the most recent available data (primarily from late 2024 to early 2025 reports, with some projections and official site updates into 2025/2026), here's a comparison of total membership in the two largest Lutheran denominations in the United States. Lutheran bodies typically report baptized membership (inclusive of all baptized individuals, including children) as the primary "total members" figure, alongside confirmed (adult/communicant) members where specified.

Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS)

• Baptized members: Approximately 1.67–1.7 million (latest figures from 2023–2025 reports; e.g., Wikipedia cites 1,674,315 baptized as of recent annual report; official LCMS site states "nearly 2 million baptized members" in more than 6,000 congregations, though some sources align closer to 1.7 million).

• Confirmed members are lower, around 1.3 million in some reports.

• The LCMS has shown more stability or slower decline compared to the ELCA, with around 5,900–6,000 congregations.

Quick Comparison

• ELCA (progressive/mainline): ~2.7 million baptized members (larger overall).

• LCMS (conservative/confessional): ~1.7 million baptized members (second-largest Lutheran body in the US).

• Together, they represent the vast majority of Lutherans in the USA, with the ELCA roughly 50–60% larger in baptized membership.

Note: Exact figures can vary slightly year-to-year due to reporting lags, congregational participation rates in surveys, and how "membership" is defined (baptized vs. active/confirmed). For the absolute latest (e.g., end-of-2025 stats), check the official sites: elca.org for ELCA and lcms.org for LCMS, as they release annual congregational summaries. Pew Research (2025) estimates align roughly, with self-identified adherents around 2.6 million for mainline Lutheranism (mostly ELCA) and 2.9 million for evangelical Lutheranism (mostly LCMS), though these are survey-based and can differ from official rolls.

As of the most recent available data (primarily from late 2024 to early 2025 reports, with some projections and official site updates into 2025/2026), here's a comparison of total membership in the two largest Lutheran denominations in the United States. Lutheran bodies typically report baptized membership (inclusive of all baptized individuals, including children) as the primary "total members" figure, alongside confirmed (adult/communicant) members where specified.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

• Baptized members: Approximately 2.68 million (as of December 31, 2024, per official ELCA reports and Wikipedia summary of 2024 stats).

• The ELCA's official website and resources consistently describe it as having nearly 2.7 million members (often rounded) in more than 8,400 worshiping communities/congregations.

• This reflects ongoing decline from higher numbers in prior decades (e.g., around 3.1–3.3 million in 2020, down from ~5 million in the early 2000s), typical of many mainline Protestant groups.

Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS)

• Baptized members: Approximately 1.67–1.7 million (latest figures from 2023–2025 reports; e.g., Wikipedia cites 1,674,315 baptized as of recent annual report; official LCMS site states "nearly 2 million baptized members" in more than 6,000 congregations, though some sources align closer to 1.7 million).

• Confirmed members are lower, around 1.3 million in some reports.

• The LCMS has shown more stability or slower decline compared to the ELCA, with around 5,900–6,000 congregations.

Quick Comparison

• ELCA (progressive/mainline): ~2.7 million baptized members (larger overall).

• LCMS (conservative/confessional): ~1.7 million baptized members (second-largest Lutheran body in the US).

• Together, they represent the vast majority of Lutherans in the USA, with the ELCA roughly 50–60% larger in baptized membership.

Note: Exact figures can vary slightly year-to-year due to reporting lags, congregational participation rates in surveys, and how "membership" is defined (baptized vs. active/confirmed). For the absolute latest (e.g., end-of-2025 stats), check the official sites: elca.org for ELCA and lcms.org for LCMS, as they release annual congregational summaries. Pew Research (2025) estimates align roughly, with self-identified adherents around 2.6 million for mainline Lutheranism (mostly ELCA) and 2.9 million for evangelical Lutheranism (mostly LCMS), though these are survey-based and can differ from official rolls.

Shrinkage: 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is shrinking at a faster rate than the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), based on the most recent official and reported data (primarily through 2024, with some 2025 references and trends extending into early 2026). These figures use baptized membership (the standard metric for total members, including children) as the basis for percentage changes, as it's the most consistently reported.

LCMS Shrinkage Rate

• As of 2024 (per the official LCMS Annual Report, reflecting data through mid-2024): 1,674,315 baptized members (with 1,328,392 confirmed; in ~5,767 member congregations plus new starts, totaling ~5,841).

• Recent annual decline: Slower and more stable, often in the 0.5–1.5% range annually in recent years (based on long-term trends and comparisons). The LCMS has experienced steady but gradual loss since the early 2000s, driven by demographics (e.g., aging, lower birth rates, fewer child baptisms), but without the sharper accelerations seen in mainline groups.

• Longer-term context: From peaks around 2.7–2.8 million in the late 1980s/early 1990s to ~1.7 million now, but the pace has been slower post-2010 compared to the ELCA (e.g., less than half the percentage loss in comparable periods). Some sources note the rate increased slightly in the past decade but remains lower overall.

Quick Comparison (Approximate Recent Annual Percentage Decline)

• ELCA: ~3% per year (baptized membership; ongoing as of 2025 reports).

• LCMS: ~1% or less per year on average recently (more gradual; official 2024 figures show continued slow decline without sharp drops).

These rates reflect natural demographic shifts (e.g., deaths outpacing new members, fewer young families), cultural secularization, and denomination-specific factors (e.g., the ELCA's post-2009 departures accelerated earlier losses). For the absolute latest (e.g., end-2025 figures), check elca.org (for ELCA congregational summaries) or lcms.org (for annual reports), as data is released annually with some lag. Pew surveys (2025) show self-identification trends aligning roughly but sometimes higher due to broader "mainline/evangelical Lutheran" categories.

Come up with the best ways the LCMS could stop their shrinking and instead grow? The assemblies of God is growing, isn't it?

Yes, the Assemblies of God (AG) is indeed growing in the US, bucking the broader trend of decline among most Protestant denominations. Recent data shows US adherents at around 3.06 million in 2024 (up 2.5% from 2023), with formal membership at 1.8 million (up 4.1%) and in-person attendance up 6.2%. This represents a slow but steady 2–3% annual growth over decades, with a brief COVID-era dip followed by a rebound. Globally, the AG has over 85 million members across 170+ national bodies. Key drivers include ethnic diversity (about 44% ethnic minorities), charismatic worship, active evangelism, church planting (e.g., 330 new charters in 2024, up 33.6%), and a focus on conversions (up 10% year-over-year). The AG's non-hierarchical, Pentecostal style appeals to younger and diverse demographics, including immigrants, while maintaining conservative theology without the media scrutiny that plagues larger groups.

The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), with its confessional Lutheran identity, faces a slower decline (around 1% annually in recent years), but it can draw lessons from the AG's playbook while staying true to its doctrinal roots. LCMS leadership already emphasizes mission priorities like church planting and revitalization, which align with proven growth tactics. Below, I've outlined the best, evidence-based strategies for the LCMS to halt shrinkage and achieve growth. These are prioritized by impact potential, based on what has worked for the AG and other conservative denominations, adapted to LCMS's liturgical, Word-and-Sacrament focus. Implementation would require Synod-wide commitment, district support, and local congregational buy-in.

1. Aggressively Plant and Revitalize Churches

• Why it works: The AG's growth is fueled by new church plants (80% of recent salvations come from churches planted in the last five years). LCMS congregations are often aging and in decline, so replacing closed ones and expanding into underserved areas is essential.

• How to implement:

• Expand the LCMS Church Planting program, offering demographic analysis, funding, and templates for new starts in growing suburbs, urban areas, or immigrant-heavy regions.

• Use re:Vitality resources for existing churches: Conduct strategic planning via "Serving in God’s Mission" to create context-specific ministry plans, focusing on outreach and member engagement.

• Target 100+ new plants annually, prioritizing multi-site models or mergers to sustain viability.

• Expected impact: Could add 10,000+ members per year if scaled like the AG's 330 new charters.

2. Boost Ethnic Diversity and Immigrant Outreach

• Why it works: The AG's diversity (55% white, down from 71% in prior decades) drives growth, especially among Hispanics, Asians, and Filipinos. Immigrants fuel much of the AG's expansion, and the US population is diversifying rapidly. LCMS is predominantly white and could tap this by emphasizing Lutheran theology's appeal to global migrants.

• How to implement:

• Create ethnic/language fellowships similar to the AG's (e.g., Filipino-American groups that attract non-Filipinos via English services).

• Partner with international missions to plant congregations in diverse communities, offering bilingual services and cultural integration programs.

• Train pastors in cross-cultural evangelism through LCMS resources, aiming for 20-30% ethnic minority membership within a decade.

• Expected impact: Mirrors AG's success in turning diversity into a growth engine, potentially reversing demographic aging.

3. Enhance Evangelism and Discipleship Training

• Why it works: The AG emphasizes conversions (up 10%), water baptisms (up 12%), and Spirit baptisms (up 3.9%), fostering active, evangelistic members. LCMS's focus on doctrine can be leveraged for deep discipleship, but it needs more outward focus to attract seekers.

• How to implement:

• Roll out "Connect to Disciple" from re:Vitality for Gospel-sharing workshops and community outreach.

• Encourage lay-led Bible studies and events (e.g., pizza lunches for students, evening discussions on relevant topics) to engage non-members.

• Integrate mercy work (human care near Word and Sacrament) as entry points, like community service tied to church events.

• Expected impact: Increases retention and attracts new members, aiming for 5-10% annual conversion growth.

4. Recruit and Train More Church Workers

• Why it works: The AG has grown its ministers steadily (nearly 38,000 in 2023, recovering from COVID). LCMS faces a pastor shortage amid decline, but addressing it builds capacity for expansion.

• How to implement:

• Scale "Set Apart to Serve" to create a culture of vocational recruitment: Use Bible studies, conversation guides, and stories to inspire youth toward pastoral roles.

• Support theological education via scholarships and partnerships with seminaries, aiming for one pastor per 500 members as a saturation goal.

• Focus on family strengthening (one of LCMS's mission priorities) to nurture future leaders from within.

• Expected impact: Ensures sustainable growth by staffing new plants and revitalized churches.

5. Leverage Digital Tools and Modern Engagement

• Why it works: While the AG avoids heavy hierarchy, its accessible brand helps. LCMS can modernize without diluting confessionalism, reaching younger generations who value authenticity over tradition alone.

• How to implement:

• Build online presence: Podcasts, apps, and social media for Lutheran teachings, similar to AG's media use.

• Host youth-focused events and Bible studies on contemporary issues to retain millennials and Gen Z.

• Promote gift planning and stewardship to fund growth initiatives.

• Expected impact: Boosts visibility and engagement, potentially adding 1-2% growth through digital evangelism.

Strategy	AG Parallel	LCMS Adaptation	Potential Annual Growth Boost
Church Planting	330 new charters (33.6% up)	Expand LCMS program with demographics	+2-3%
Ethnic Outreach	44% minorities, immigrant focus	Bilingual services, fellowships	+1-2%
Evangelism	10% conversions up	re:Vitality workshops	+1-2%
Worker Recruitment	38,000 ministers	Set Apart to Serve scaling	+0.5-1%
Digital Engagement	Charismatic, low-hierarchy appeal	Online Lutheran resources	+0.5-1%

Overall, if the LCMS commits to these under its "Making Disciples for Life" emphasis, it could shift from 1% decline to 2-5% growth within 5-10 years, much like the AG's trajectory. Success hinges on local execution and avoiding internal controversies that deter newcomers.

Come up with ways that the LCMS could expand instead of decline without looking at the assembly of God playbook,

The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) is experiencing a gradual decline, with baptized membership dropping around 1% annually in recent years, influenced by factors like lower birth rates, demographic shifts, reduced youth retention, and insufficient conversions to offset losses. To reverse this and achieve expansion, the LCMS can build on its confessional Lutheran strengths—such as doctrinal fidelity, liturgical worship, and emphasis on Word and Sacrament—while implementing targeted, evidence-based initiatives. These strategies draw from Synod discussions, official programs, and successful local examples, focusing on internal revitalization, outward mission, and demographic adaptation. Implementation would require coordinated efforts from the Synod, districts, and congregations, with measurable goals like aiming for net positive membership growth within 5–10 years.

1. Scale Up Church Planting in Strategic Locations

• Why it works: New church plants often attract unchurched individuals and can revitalize areas with declining congregations. Historical data shows that focusing on urban, suburban, and rural contexts with tailored approaches has led to growth in places like Ft. Worth, Texas, where plants have reached immigrant and diverse communities.

• How to implement:

• Expand the LCMS Church Planting program by providing demographic analysis, funding, and training for new starts in growing population centers or underserved regions.

• Partner with districts to identify high-potential areas (e.g., immigrant-heavy neighborhoods) and aim for 50–100 new plants annually, incorporating schools or preschools for family appeal.

• Use models from successful plants, like those integrating service missions abroad with local outreach.

• Expected impact: Could add thousands of members yearly by focusing on conversions and community integration, countering the net loss from aging demographics.

2. Revitalize Existing Congregations Through Structured Programs

• Why it works: Many LCMS churches are plateaued or declining due to inward focus; revitalization shifts them toward outreach and mission, addressing root causes like inactive members and lack of strategic planning.

• How to implement:

• Roll out the re:Vitality program Synod-wide, using modules like "Connect to Disciple" for effective evangelism to nonchurched people, "Shepherding Our Strays" to reengage inactive members with compassionate care, and "Serving in God’s Mission" for consensus-based strategic planning.

• Offer low- or no-cost workshops and Congregational Assessment Diagnostic Data Summary (CADDS) reports to guide leaders in selecting targeted improvements.

• Encourage congregations to organize energies around community blessings, such as deeds of love and good works, to foster outward zeal.

• Expected impact: Helps reverse plateauing, potentially increasing active participation by 10–20% in participating churches through better retention and engagement.

3. Strengthen Evangelism and Lay-Led Outreach

• Why it works: Decline stems partly from insufficient outreach and conversions; empowering laity to share the Gospel personally can bridge this gap, as seen in examples where weekly household messaging reached diverse groups effectively.

• How to implement:

• Train lay members in evangelism through Bible studies, workshops, and resources tied to the "Making Disciples for Life" emphasis, focusing on mercy work (human care) integrated with Word and Sacrament.

• Promote personal outreach strategies, like one-page Gospel messages delivered door-to-door or via community events, targeting all ages, races, and economic levels.

• Develop district-specific plans for rural, suburban, and urban contexts to encourage deeds of love that draw in newcomers.

• Expected impact: Boosts conversions and retention, aiming for a 5–10% increase in new members through organic, relationship-based growth.

4. Recruit and Train More Church Workers

• Why it works: A pastor shortage amid stable clergy numbers (around 5,800 for decades) exacerbates decline; building a culture of vocational calling can ensure staffing for expansion while addressing biblical illiteracy in the next generation.

• How to implement:

• Amplify the "Set Apart to Serve" initiative with conversation guides, stories, and youth-focused events to inspire pastoral and ministry vocations.

• Provide scholarships and partnerships with seminaries to train workers, targeting a ratio of one pastor per 500 members.

• Integrate family strengthening as a mission priority to nurture future leaders from within congregations.

• Expected impact: Sustains growth by equipping new plants and revitalized churches, potentially reducing the clergy-to-member imbalance.

5. Focus on Youth Retention, Family Ministry, and Demographic Adaptation

• Why it works: Low birth rates and youth retention dropping from 90% to 40% are key drivers of decline; encouraging family growth and cultural identity can rebuild generational strength, while higher liturgical practices correlate with less decline.

• How to implement:

• Promote family ministries that encourage higher birth rates and retention through Bible studies on contemporary issues, evening discussions, and student events like pizza lunches.

• Forge a renewed cultural identity around confessional Lutheranism, emphasizing liturgy and hymnody in metro areas where it supports healthier ecology.

• Address generational challenges by improving preaching models (e.g., expository styles to train laity) and avoiding gimmicks in favor of faithful, outward-focused practices.

• Expected impact: Stabilizes demographics, with potential for 1–2% annual growth through better retention and family expansion.

6. Consolidate and Right-Size Congregations Where Necessary

• Why it works: Over half of decline relates to an oversized pastoral field relative to shrinking attendance; mergers can create stable, evangelizing parishes without discarding traditions.

• How to implement:

• Guide underperforming churches toward mergers, as in Greenwich examples where two struggling parishes formed one viable entity.

• Use data-driven assessments to consolidate resources, focusing on shared cultures of discipleship and outreach.

• View closures as temporary, redirecting energies to heavenward focus and new opportunities.

• Expected impact: Optimizes resources for growth, reducing net losses and enabling reinvestment in expanding areas.

Strategy	Key LCMS Alignment	Implementation Focus	Potential Annual Growth Boost
Church Planting	Mission priorities, district partnerships	Demographic targeting, immigrant outreach	+2-3%
Revitalization	re:Vitality modules	Strategic planning, inactive member reengagement	+1-2%
Evangelism	Making Disciples for Life, lay training	Community deeds, personal messaging	+1-2%
Worker Recruitment	Set Apart to Serve	Vocational culture, seminary support	+0.5-1%
Youth/Family Focus	Family strengthening, liturgical emphasis	Retention programs, birth rate encouragement	+1-2%
Consolidation	Right-sizing pastoral field	Mergers for stability	+0.5-1% (loss prevention)

By prioritizing these under frameworks like the Seven Mission Priorities, the LCMS can shift from decline to sustainable expansion, remaining faithful to its heritage while adapting to modern challenges. Success depends on unity, avoiding internal controversies, and measuring progress through annual

Network 211 is run by Assembly of God people and is a parachurch organization. Does it help grow Assembly of God church in the usa? How about internationality? any idea of the split?

Network 211 is indeed a parachurch organization affiliated with the Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM), focused on digital evangelism and discipleship using online platforms to share the Gospel. It's run by AG personnel, such as president Mark Flattery (an AGWM missionary), and operates as an international ministry emphasizing global outreach in multiple languages (currently 17, with plans for expansion). Its mission is to help people "discover and grow in their journey with God" through a structured process: presenting the Gospel online, encouraging responses, providing discipleship resources, and connecting individuals to local churches.

Contribution to Assemblies of God Growth in the USA

Yes, Network 211 contributes to AG growth in the USA, though its impact appears secondary to other domestic factors like church planting and in-person evangelism. The USA is included in its reach (as one of 242 countries/territories served), and it connects American responders directly to local AG churches for integration into community and discipleship. This "searches to churches" model helps funnel online seekers into physical congregations, potentially boosting attendance, conversions, and retention.

• AG USA overall is experiencing steady growth (about 2–3% annually in recent years, with 3.06 million adherents as of 2024, up from a COVID-era dip), driven by diversity (44% ethnic minorities), new church plants, and evangelism. Network 211 supports this by generating evangelism responses (e.g., salvations or recommitments) from US-based users searching for spiritual answers online.

• Specific examples of US impact aren't highlighted in reports, but its tools—like targeted content on anxiety, fear, or worth—address universal needs that apply domestically. It also includes US-specific initiatives, such as the Warrior's Journey site for military personnel, which could draw American veterans or service members.

• However, the organization's international framing suggests its US contributions are a smaller portion of overall efforts, complementing rather than driving the AG's domestic growth (which relies more on local strategies).

Contribution to Assemblies of God Growth Internationally

Network 211 has a more pronounced role in international growth, aligning with the AG's global expansion. The World Assemblies of God Fellowship (WAGF) encompasses over 67–70 million adherents in 147 countries, with 93% living outside North America and Europe—a 374% increase since 1989. Network 211 accelerates this by reaching underserved areas digitally, where traditional missions might face barriers.

• It has delivered over 57 million gospel presentations and 3 million evangelism responses globally since inception, with 2022 alone seeing 5.18 million presentations, 321,271 responses (6.19% conversion rate), and 41,301 discipleship connections (0.8%). Responses come from interactive content on topics like anxiety or fear, leading to personalized follow-up by 1-2-1 Connector teams in 28 nations.

• Connections to local AG churches are key: Responders are directed to nearby congregations for belonging and maturity, tapping into the WAGF's vast network. This has resulted in over 500,000 discipleship connections overall. Examples include responders from Nigeria, Romania, and Argentina being linked to AG communities.

• Recent expansions, like child-focused content translated into 14+ languages (funded by US book sales), aim to reach global youth. Goals include 100 million presentations by 2028 and response teams in every nation, directly supporting WAGF's explosive growth in regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Idea of the Split (USA vs. International)

No precise statistical split (e.g., percentage of responses or connections) between USA and international is publicly available in reports or official stats, which are aggregated globally. However, the organization's structure and emphasis indicate a heavy international tilt:

• Inferred Split: Likely 90%+ international, based on AG's global demographics (only ~4–5% of adherents in the USA) and Network 211's focus on multilingual outreach to 242 countries/territories. Most highlighted responses are from non-US countries, and initiatives like child outreach prioritize global languages over English-only.

• Stats are tracked holistically (e.g., total visits, responses), with accountability via Google Analytics, but without regional breakdowns. If a rough estimate is needed, mirroring AG's adherent distribution suggests ~5–10% USA-focused (including domestic military outreach) vs. 90–95% international.

Overall, Network 211 acts as a force multiplier for AG growth by bridging online seekers to offline churches, with greater scale internationally due to its mission design. For more granular data, direct inquiry to Network 211 might be needed, as public reports prioritize cumulative milestones.