The declining fortunes of the country's mainline denominations may have something to do with their lack of passion, suggests a new report.

The Barna Group's study of adult members of the American Baptist Churches in the USA, the Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church found just one-third (31%) believe "they have a personal responsibility to discuss their faith with people who have different beliefs."

Mainline church members′ "tenuous ties" were also "exemplified by their willingness to consider other spiritual options," researchers learned. Just half (49%) described themselves as "absolutely committed to Christianity."

Almost three-quarters (72%) said they were more likely to develop their own religious beliefs than to adopt those taught by their church. And nine out of 10 (86%) sensed that "God is motivating people to stay connected to Him through different means and experiences than in the past."

Evidence of what the Barna report called "waffling commitment" was found elsewhere as well. A minority of mainline attenders were found to be presently involved in some type of personal discipleship activity.

Less than half contended that the Bible is accurate in the life principles it teaches, and only half of all mainline adults said that they were on a personal quest for spiritual truth.

And when asked to identify their highest priority in life, less than one out of every 10 mainline adults (9%) says some aspect of faith constitutes their top priority.

The report noted that mainline church membership has dropped by more than one-quarter in the last 50 years, to roughly 20 million people. Adult church attendance indicates that only 15% of all American adults associate with a mainline church these days.

Source: The Barna Group

To read the full report, go to http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/17-leadership/323-report-examines-the-state-of-mainline-protestant-churches.