The Complexity of Counting Restoration Churches

When it comes to determining the number of Restoration churches currently in existence, the short answer is no one knows. This is a straightforward yet profound statement, as it encapsulates the inherent complexity and subjective nature of defining and counting religious groups within the Restoration movement.

Diverse and Established Groups

It's tempting to point towards the more established and visible Restoration churches, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly referred to as the Mormon or LDS Church), Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or RLDS), The Church of Jesus Christ (often called the Bickertonites), and The Church of Christ Temple Lot. These groups have well-documented histories and organizational structures, making them easily identifiable.

Smaller and Less Visible Groups

However, the picture becomes much more complex when one moves to smaller, less visible groups within the Restoration movement. Defining what constitutes a "church" in these contexts is fraught with challenges. For instance, there are numerous polygamist sects that have well-developed organizational structures with hundreds of members, as well as many others that exist in secret or only within family circles.

Among polygamist groups, secrecy is often a hallmark. This makes it extremely difficult to accurately count the number of smaller, less organized groups. Some authorities suggest that there may be many more such groups than what is officially recognized, pushing the number closer to the hundreds or even thousands.

The RLDS Schism and Its Aftermath

The RLDS Church provides a vivid example of the challenges in counting Restoration churches. In the 1980s and 1990s, the RLDS Church underwent a severe schism when it began ordaining women. Some estimates suggest that 60% of the active membership left the "hierarchy," often referred to as the institutional leadership of the Church. While some new groups and denominations formed, the majority continued to meet in "independent branches," which are essentially congregations that recognize no higher authority. The question arises: Is a small, independent branch worth counting as a Restoration church?

The Gray Area of Informal Groups

Consider another example: in the 1990s, after the RLDS schism, a group of friends and neighbors who had also left the LDS Church started meeting informally to share their faith experiences. They slowly progressed to the point of sharing the sacrament together. Although no one intended to start a church, the group grew to 22 "members," celebrated four baptisms and a wedding, and even received visits from representatives of other Restoration churches. Were they a church? Technically, no, but they were more organized and active than many groups that others count as Restoration churches.

Then, the group disbanded. This highlights another challenge: the short-term nature of many of these small groups. If a count were attempted, it would represent a snapshot of a single moment in time. Many of these groups do not last long, and by the time a count is made, they may no longer exist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, trying to determine the number of Restoration churches is a challenging and subjective task. It involves defining what constitutes a "church," dealing with the complexities of smaller, less organized groups, and accounting for the transitory nature of many of these groups. Until there is a standardized method and a commonly accepted definition, the number of Restoration churches will remain a mystery.