Why Churches Shrink

Liberal mainline churches have lost conservative members because they have abandoned that traditional membership niche that they once served, according to sociologists.

"Our studies indicate six basic ideological niches into which churches fall, ranging from ultraliberal to ultraconservative. Most church attendees, regardless of social class, are moderates and conservatives who form the great middle of the membership bell curve," says Dr. Roger Finke, professor of sociology in Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts.
"Because their demand for different forms of religion is remarkably stable, Americans tend to either remain in or seek out churches that suit their niche," he notes. "Of course, this demand curve represents only those that are seeking a religion. There will always be some that don't seek out religious answers or solutions."

While church swapping occurs frequently in this country, people rarely swap niches. Instead, it is the churches themselves that shift from niche to niche, usually from conservative to liberal, the sociologist adds.