Wow, that is a big statement and controversial as well. Yes, it is and although our denomination has long been liberal, our church was not noticeably liberal for the first 10 years or so after we joined. We knew the pastor was a democrat, but he rarely let that show in his sermons, which were strictly from scriptures. I described his style as more teaching than preaching, which I enjoyed very much.
The story of how we came to this church is that friends invited us to visit. We went because of the invitation and stayed because of the pastor. Way too soon he decided it was time to retire. Now I can understand that because he is our age and we've been retired for a while.
Just before covid a change began to take place, not only because of the forced shutdown but because of changes in pastoral staff. Prior to this, our associate pastor had moved on to pastor his own church in another state. This lead to the hiring a temporary associate pastor, we'll call Joan, to serve until the permanent position was filled. This was the beginning of the change. She was liberal, but not so much outwardly woke. Still, you could tell Joan wasn't one of us. She stayed with us for nearly two years, almost twice as long as intended, probably because of covid.
After her departure yet another woman was hired. We will call her Lisa. Now Lisa was way more liberal/woke, and it showed. She follows the new Progressive Christianity and is a strong supporter of LGBT...and more. She was hired as an associate pastor before our beloved pastor retired, after which she was asked and agreed to serve as interim pastor during the search for a full time pastor.
She brought nothing to the worship experience in my opinion. She quoted numerous progressive writers during each sermon and even said "... the Holy Spirit, SHE's a wild one" during a service on Trinity Sunday! There were other times she referred to God as "she" and "mother", which, quite frankly, did not set well with me. When she needed help with her pastoral duties, yet another woman was brought in, we'll call her Mary. Mary served as the parish associate and was equally woke, going so far as to talk about how great the pride parade was the previous weekend. This was going on in 2023-24. It got to the point that I didn't go to church much, and never when Mary was preaching.
Fast forward to August 2024, when we finally hired a new pastor. A man! Now he is still democrat/liberal, but probably less woke and progressive than the women were. He preaches from scripture which is a breath of fresh air after several years of endless progressive quotes. Recently we acquired a new parish associate, also a man, and former church member. Our denomination will always be liberal, but it is easier to deal with it when it is not in your face.
Now the big question I know is on your mind is why did we stay. A friend said "there are other churches" and that's true. We were almost to that point, but the search for a new pastor was underway, and we were praying God would lead someone to us who would preach and teach God's word from scripture. We got that so we stayed. I did have a short list of churches if we had decided to leave.
On the up side, we have some friends there who are also conservative (and even some who are not...they're still nice people).
Based on what I have read and seen in my own church, it's my opinion that the reason for the downfall of churches is women. It seems to me that women are much more likely to be drawn into the "progressive" version of Christianity, which I view as false Christianity.
PJ Media recently did an article on progressive Christianity and women pastors.
Glitter Blessings' and Women Pastors Who Say 'Queer' a Lot
Take care and God bless!
John 14:6: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."