ABSTRACT
The decline of the mainline churches in our society is a phenomenon that has been well documented and widely discussed in a variety of recent books and articles. 1 This decline is deep, and covers nearly every aspect of church life—finances, church membership, confidence, sense of identity, and broader social influence and prestige. I suggest that one of the reasons for this decline—and there are many reasons—is the failure of these churches to develop a strong and commanding family ministry.
