Missouri Synod Lutherans see falling numbers: Like ecumenical Protestants
In a statistical report that likened its declining numbers to those of ecumenical Protestant denominations, the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod said that its baptized membership fell in 2008 by 45,735 members to a total of 2.33 million.
The number of LCMS congregations declined by 54 in 2008 but was offset by 102 new church starts and stands at 6,123 churches. But the average attendance at weekly worship services was l55, compared with 165 the year before.