Yeah, Pew has been tracking religious affiliation for years. And every year America becomes a little less religious. I don’t know what the answer is, but part of it has to be taking a look at the social issues. There comes a time when you have to realize what battles are lost.
I think a lot of it is modern choruses (instead of hymns) and boring sermons designed not to offend.
Pastors have to deliver noncontroversial sermons, they believe, to keep recalcitrant deacons and entire congregations off their backs. Much like college professors catering to weak pupils because the pupils evaluate the professors