May 26, 2025

The Burge Report: Why Are Non-Denominational Churches Growing?

29 minutes

Fifty years ago, non-denominational churches were more of an anomaly. Today, they are one of largest religious groups in the United States and one of only a few growing religious groups. Why is this? Ryan Burge joins the show to discuss the reasons for growth among non-denominational churches.

The rise in non-denominationalism is due, at least in part, to the decline of institutional trust.

At the same time, non-denominationals have consistently had higher levels of interpersonal trust. While they are deeply skeptical of institutions, they are not so wary of other people.

Transfer growth is a major part of this story. Historically, Baby Boomers from Mainline churches transferred to larger, non-denominational churches.

Immigration is also a key to understanding this growth as more Catholics from Central and South America gravitate towards non-denominational churches.

Resources:

Upward Running

Rooted

Ryan Burge

“Is Distrust Driving the Rise in Non-Denominationalism?” by Ryan Burge

“The Churching of America, 1776-2005: Winners and Losers in Our Religious Economy” by Roger Finke and Rodney Stark (affiliate link)

“The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?” by Jim Davis, Michael Graham, and Ryan Burge (affiliate link)

Church Answers Platinum Membership

FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

The Hope Initiative

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By Thom Rainer

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