The Presbyterian Church USA has experienced a significant decline in membership, with an estimated 130 congregations and over 26,000 members leaving the denomination in 2025.
According to recent estimates, the denomination lost 26,845 members between 2024 and 2025, with its total membership now standing at 1,019,003 people as of the end of 2025.
The decline is a continuation of a trend that has been observed over the past decade, with the denomination losing an average of 4.6 percent of its members annually.
The most recent decline of 2.6 percent between 2024 and 2025 was the slowest in a decade, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing the denomination.
A significant portion of PCUSA members are over 55 years old, with 35 percent above the age of 70 and only 4 percent 18 years old or younger.
The majority of congregations that left the denomination were dissolved, with only 12 being dismissed to other denominations.
Historically, the PCUSA has been a theologically and politically progressive denomination, with a long history of advocating for inclusivity and diversity.
The denomination has taken several steps in recent years to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion, including a commitment to welcome and accept transgender individuals and people of all gender identities.
The PCUSA has also established several committees focused on LGBTQ+ advocacy, including the Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity and the "Women and Gender Justice" ministry area.
The denomination's progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues has been a point of contention for some members, who hold to a more traditional understanding of biblical teaching on human sexuality.
At the most recent General Assembly, the PCUSA agreed to start requiring churches to indicate if they are open to an LGBT pastor, a move that has sparked debate and concern within the denomination.
