It would seem the study is somewhat incomplete for what is reported. What is the birth rate now of the synod versus say 40 years ago, and how does that translate into overall size of the synod? Also for what percentage of children did we lose from birth to confirmation to graduation from high school say 40 years ago versus now. With those adjusted numbers would the Synod still be declining, would she be maintaing, and or would she be growing. Also it seems like this information would helpful to coordinate with the research done by the Rev. Michael Newman and the recent presentation he recently at Concordia Seminary.