The Parish Paper - March 2016: What Numbers Matter for Congregations? Lessons from Five-Year Trends

Church growth, as measured by the average number of regular participants or worship attendees, has been the go-to statistic for many researchers and leaders tracking religion. Leaders less often consider other yardsticks of vitality—such as more meaningful worship, growth in ministry with youth, social advocacy, or engagement in foreign mission work. A new report based on information from over four thousand congregations gives us new insights about how congregations have responded to change over the past five years. The study suggests that some churches are thriving and surviving, despite the discouraging overall attendance trends.