April 09, 2025

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of American Protestantism the Past 25 Years, Part 4: Abject Failures of American Protestantism in the 21st Century

20 minutes

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:

Chaney & Associates

The Church Advisory Podcast

Upward Running

Part 1: Key Strengths of American Protestantism in the 21st Century

Part 2: Abject Failures of American Protestantism in the 21st Century

Part 3: Key Strengths of American Protestantism in the 21st Century

Brown Church Development Group

Safe Church Training

Know Your Church

The Hope Initiative

Church Answers Membership

FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights

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