The Vanishing Church, and Why it Matters, with Ryan Burge

Many of us have been affected – and grieved – by the polarization we see within our churches. Formerly places where believers could gather even if they disagreed, the number of congregations that represent common ground is shrinking. What role has this trend played in so many leaving and rejecting the faith over the past two generations – and what would it take to reverse it? 

Our guide in exploring these issues will be Ryan Burge. His new book The Vanishing Church blends stories from his experience as a pastor of a church that closed with data from his research. In his view, churches can help heal our divisions and restore the common ground essential for us to thrive together.

Please join us on Friday, January 23 at 1:30 ET for an Online Conversation with Ryan Burge.

Ryan P. Burge is a professor at the Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis, and previously taught at Eastern Illinois University. His previous books include The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going and, with Jim Davis and Michael Graham, The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? He holds a PhD from Southern Illinois University and was the pastor of an American Baptist church for more than 17 years.