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Yet conference-wide, among churches with over 125 in worship, the number of middle-size churches (125-249) dropped from 179 (62%) in 1980 to 141 (47%) congregations in 1999. An alarming 83.7% of middle size churches were declining or had less than the 'poor' rate of growth (as per Wagner) of 25% growth per decade. Long term pastorates for all size churches was found to be the exception. 85% of 'pastors in charge' or 'senior pastors' will move before a 7th year. Length of pastorates and effectiveness in receiving unchurched persons were both found to steadily decline with each smaller size type of church. The author coined the acronym of LEMMINGS for 'long established Mid-sized Ministries in No Growth Situations.' With data from 1980 to 2000, this study is a 'snapshot' of the church as it begins the 21st century. 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