The PCA is not just a startup. They have been around since 1973 (42 years) and was founded as an alternative to the churches no longer teaching the Bible as the true Word of God, and Christ as the “way”. Folks who were tired of their “dead” churches moved to the PCA, and continue to do so.
Your analogy of 7 growing by 1 to be 700% is ridiculous. The PCA has grown by thousands of people, as are other true evangelical denominations who are truly teaching the Bible. We may never reach the massive numbers of your RC church, but that is NOT the point.
You may want to read up on Revelation chapters 2-3, John’s letters to the churches. These “churches” not only represent the actual named early history church, but also are a picture of the types of churches throughout the ages. Then you need to ask yourself which of these churches speaks of YOUR church? (I would be curious to know which one you think is yours) And then which churches does God rebuke and/or deem “dead”.
And please do not tell me that these churches all represent various stages of the RC church because it is the ONLY church. There was no RC church with its ecclesiastica at the time John wrote these letters.
Actually, we don’t know the extent to which the churches in Rev 2-3 represent anything. Personally, I think it’s typology, but that’s just conjecture on my part. My church would be either Thyatira or Pergamum, to be honest with you.
Also, the only church in danger of losing its candlestick was Ephesus....due to loveless legalism.
However, my analogy wasn’t ridiculous because I was attempting to explain why the PCA wasn’t listed above the ASOG in the fairly recent article that I read. I’ll see if I can find it. My thought that it might have to do with establishment would still be valid because who’s to say that PCA’s 1973 date would make the cut, if they were assigning the cut.
My sense is that the demise of the PCUSA has been a huge boon to the PCA. Those disgruntled members have significantly contributed to the PCA increase. I don’t think I would consider that to be a normal growth pattern. Certainly not a growth pattern based on conversions/retentions.
BTW, I’m not Roman Catholic. I’m United Methodist.