It is a shame that so many denominations were caught up in the excitement of something new in worship. The LCA and ALC got together for ELCA and watched their numbers plummet. The Lutheran Hymnal did the same.
Everyone was excited about the new version, but soon people began to realize how many great hymns were jettisoned - along with hip liturgies. The changes are something like this -
5.3 million ELCA added up their members upon merging as the LCA-ALC-AELC. As one person wrote - "Congregations were leaving fast - before they waited to be drawn in.
The ELCA numbers are now more like 2 millions.
The Lutheran Hymnal was set aside for something more like ELCA's effort.
Both "improved" hymnals were heavier, not the best idea for an aging population. Irritating edits meant goofy hymns and liturgies demanded from the bosses in charge (exit ramp).
The Church Growthers were more likely to fall for the exciting things that soon enough became rather tedious.
The authority figures were always figuring out how it could all be better, but they missed the best and they now pay for it.
