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I found the survey results fascinating (February 2001.) However, I think it reflects much more about the survey-oriented means of data collection than the character of churches of Christ in the United States.

Our own detailed on-line database of 13,309 churches of Christ in the United States and Canada shows a strikingly different perspective, much more consistent with Mac Lynn's previous published reports.    Our data is very similar to brother Lynn's, but we collect different facts about the same churches.   We also have a process for on-line updates that is used daily by thousands of individuals representing local churches of Christ, or by individuals who know about local churches in their area.  

With respect to the article, I just don't think 'the typical congregation works from a budget' of $203,000, and that 'more than half of churches conducted parenting or marriage enrichment seminars in the previous 12 months.'  I also don't think that 'on average, our congregations have 'two full time staff persons.' This might be true of churches who took the time to respond to the survey, but certainly not the United States as a whole.

Our detailed church-by-church records show that the average church membership is 98 members, and the median (the 'typical' church) has a mere 55 members. This is entirely consistent with another fact our records show,: that fewer than 20% of all churches of Christ have elders, with about that same number having one or more 'full time' staffers.

While our data may be also be flawed, I am constantly amazed that virtually all of our daily updates are showing reduced membership figures compared to the old data, and slightly more churches are folding than are being created. 'Most' of those being created are obvious splits from other local congregations. I see this happening on a day-by-day basis and only wish leaders within our fellowship could see this. I think the truth about churches of Christ is far more alarming that this particular survey suggests.

Earle West
Marlboro, NJ