I believe the decline of [America’s] Reformed churches began when they attempted to emulate successful Evangelical/Pentecostal (send us money, you’ll be saved! YAY feelgood!) megachurches back in the 80’s. The bureaucracy of the Magisterium is probably what prevented the Catholic churches from making the same mistake (although they still tried their best to emulate Evangelical/Pentecostalism).

My church is very old-fashioned Reformed; I suspect it remained that way due to its location (WASP/Old Money neighborhood). Here in NY, the remnants of the old Protestant elite are rather prideful of their culture. I can just picture them scoffing at an Evangelical service for being too philistine.

Progressives portray old Protestant culture as nothing short of barbaric; however it strongly valued morals. Its a shame Protestant churches buy into this misconception.