9/21/2023 0 Comments Rmn org![]() ![]() In the big picture, for each of the UMC’s five U.S. In other words, what the readily available data shows is that when congregations affiliate with RMN, in most cases they lose people initially and do not fully recover. That is only about 10 percent of “Reconciling” congregations experiencing a V-shaped curve. Out of the 130 congregations who joined RMN between 20, only 14 eventually saw their membership and attendance rise to exceed the numbers it had the year before they joined RMN. But often this was followed by another period of decline. Yes, it is true to a certain degree that some congregations have experienced growth in both membership and attendance some time after joining RMN. A V-shaped curve is what the RMN supporters like to describe. Meanwhile, proponents of RMN sometimes argue that congregations that make decisions to conform to worldly views on sexuality can initially lose a number of people, but then eventually recover by attracting those who appreciate their liberal view of sexuality. It is relatively easy for pastors to skew their numbers for membership and especially attendance. Additionally, the actual decline may be far greater as the data is based on figures provided by the congregations. ![]() When members are displeased about their congregation becoming affiliated with RMN, it may take a while for them completely to drift away from that church, and it can take two or more years after their last appearance in worship before they are actually removed from the membership rolls (Per Paragraph 228 of the UMC’s governing Book of Discipline ). However, it is helpful also to look at longer-term trends. ![]() For example, First UMC in Ferndale, Michigan lost 20.55 percent of its members (from 219 to 174) and 21.18 percent of its average reported worship attendance (85 to 67). When comparing the membership and worship attendance numbers for the year immediately before a congregation joined RMN to the statistics for the year immediately after this decision was made, I found that most congregations declined in both attendance and membership. ![]() The denomination’s official online data directory,, does not include key information before 2007 or after 2016. To prove this theory, I have compiled data for most United Methodist congregations that joined RMN between 20. I have often heard that once a United Methodist congregation joins RMN, it takes a toll on the congregation. United Methodist congregations (out of the denomination’s tens of thousands of congregations around the world) have declared themselves to be “Reconciling Congregations” formally supporting RMN. ” It believes that all sexual orientations are a gift from God and fights to bring churches to recognize this and celebrate related non-traditional sexual practices, including same-sex unions, and sex-reassignment surgeries. RMN’s stated mission speaks of “ resist evil, injustice, and oppression as we seek justice for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. However, RMN’s efforts have taken a toll on their affiliated congregations. It also launched a decades-long, unsuccessful campaign to get global United Methodism to abandon biblical teaching and officially allow same-sex union ceremonies and the ordination of openly homosexually active clergy. The unofficial group of United Methodists now known as RMN emerged in 1982 to advocate for the gay and lesbian community. Within the United Methodist Church, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) has urged the denomination to stray from biblical teachings on marriage. Churches are not immune from related controversies. Sexual morality is one of the most controversial and most widely discussed issues in our society today. ![]()
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