Much of this has been said already, but let me spiel on a bit anyway.
** Most mainline Protestants - especially Methodists, Presbyterians, members of the United Church of Christ, American (northern, historically) Baptists, Dutch Reformed, Disciples of Christ, etc. - transfer quite easily from one denomination to another.** It often happens when someone moves to a new community. They are likely to ‘church shop’ for a short time, to check out which church may have the best preaching, the most convenient location, the finest Sunday School program and facilities, the most attractive youth program, good parking, and various other factors. They will probably be influenced by their earlier denominational ties. If, for example, they had been attending a Methodist Church they might check out Methodist churches in the area first. They also might be influenced by neighbors. If they have friendly neighbors who invite them to their church, they’ll probably try that one. They can be impacted by a prompt visit from the minister or visitors from a given church. Churches that are ‘on the ball’ register visitors each week and follow-up quickly with visits, phone calls, and/or welcome notes.
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**Among those mainstream Protestants there is little concept of 'one true church'.** Their members usually are 'big tent' minded - that is, they aren't troubled by different theological opinions among members. They can even enjoy Bible classes where various interpretations are offered and explored. Episcopalians and Lutherans are somewhat less likely to stray because of their emphasis on liturgy. Most mainstream Protestant churches cooperate in issuing 'certificate of transfer' to other churches.
**Intermarriage is a major factor in changing denominations, too**. The couple decide that it's best to attend the same church. In some instances, if, say, one is a Presbyterian and the other is an Episcopalian, perhaps they'll deliberately end up in a Methodist church. There is little resistance to marriages between Protestants, somewhat more between a Protestant and a Catholic, though far less than there was 50 or so years ago.
** In Canada and elsewhere there have been major mergers among Protestants.** In Canada, way back in 1925, the Methodists, Congregationalists and most Presbyterians merged into the United Church of Canada. The same has been happening in Australia - and in India and a few othe rplaces. Remember, too, that most mainstream Protestant denominations are members of the National and World Council of Churches. They can be a bit competitive on a local level, perhaps, but they often see themselves as Protestants first. Various American denominations are mergers, too. For example, most Congregationalist churches (Pilgrim/Puritan background) merged 40 and more years agp with the Evangelical and Reformed denomination (German background) to form the United Church of Christ. The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethen Church merged in 1968 to form the United Methodist Church.
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**Now, there is a major division between strong 'born-again' sola scriptura Protestants and mainline Protestants.** The born-again Protestants tend to monopolize the TV religious channels. These include most Baptists, Pentecostalists, and the major independent mega-churches that have mushroomed across the nation. These churches have pulled some out of the mainstream denominations, but also many Catholics. In this area, where Catholicism is strong, most members of these evangelical churches seem to have been Catholics. I don't know why.
** These churches focus much more upon the pastor, vigorous preachering, hearty singing of praise songs, and an evangelical message,** Many of them emphasize ‘end times’ (Jesus will return soon), enthusiastic support of Israel, emotional altar calls, etc. Some focus on speaking in tongues. These folks often hop from one evangelical church to another because of some conflict over doctrine, but often over power or personality issues. They put a halo over these, of course. The evangelicals have been especially successful in the South and among Hispanics. Most African-American churches are evangelical in their message and style, thousands of them Baptist or Methodist, but do not regard themselves as part of the hard-core fundamentalist camp.
** Protestantism is complex - a wild understatement. **Entering it is like going into a huge cafeteria with dozens of flavors (churches) to choose from. But, there also are many (millions) of cafeteria Catholics, who may remain in the church but believe this doctrine and don’t believe that doctrine. You will also find liturgical differences within denominations. Some Methodist churches will resemble Episcopal or Lutheran churches. Others are more like Baptist or Presbyterian churches. Often the pastor sets the tone, and his or her seminary training is a key factor.
** God bless them all! ** Let us work together to make religion a bridge and not a barrier.
with you
