For the 1st time in US history, the church in the South is shrinkingF Contextualizing the Gospel in the New South. Thats the title for this years Advance Conference, April 26-27 in RDU. Last year we called for a resurgence of the local church. This year were focusing on the major issues that are standing in the way of that happening here in the South.
The South is changing. Urbanization and the vibrant growth of our cities have transformed the cultural landscape. Cities like RDU have become new centers of business and education, places where culture is being formed and made. And yet as our cities are advancing, the church is shrinking. For the first time in its history, the church in the South is declining at a rate faster than anywhere else in the country.
See for yourself. This map shows you where evangelical Christianity is growing in the U.S. (Pink indicates growth. Blue indicates decline).