Pastors at the largest churches (those with 250 or more in attendance) are the least likely to say the economy negative impact on churches this year (34%). They are also the most likely to report that giving levels are above those in 2022 (57%).
Membership in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont churches together grew by 1% from 2017 to 2022. Southern Baptist growth in Northeast is evident as the only region with numerical growth.
Pastors and church leaders should be aware of AI-powered preaching uses within their churches while remaining diligent toward the ways in which AI can undermine the message being communicated and change us without us even being aware.
Compared to three years ago, pastors say theyre more likely to be relying on armed churchgoers and less likely to have a no firearms policy for their building, reflecting shifts in church security measures.
As people interact with the world around them, their beliefs about the world and their place in it stem from their understanding (or misunderstanding) of the character of God. And most churchgoers believe God wants them to prosper financially, a trend highlighted by rising prosperity gospel beliefs.
Those leading the smallest churches, with fewer than 50 in attendance at weekend worship services, are among the most likely to say their congregations have a growing pastor fear in congregations about the future of the country and world (72%).
Similarly, younger pastors, those 18-44, are the most likely to say they’re very familiar with deconstruction (36%), while pastors 65 and older are the least likely to possess that same level of familiarity (12%).
Compared to 2019, fewer churchgoers today see church livestreaming services as a valid replacement for physically attending church when sick or caring for someone who is sick (76% v. 69%), traveling (60% v. 48%), too far away to attend (45% v. 38%) and when they get up late (36% v. 24%).
Most churchgoers believe tithing is a biblical command, but opinions on church tithing practices, including the 'where' and 'how,' are diverse.
Most Protestant churchgoers say their churches encourage them to serve people not affiliated with their church and that they want to do so. But the gap between churchgoers want to serve and actual volunteering persists.
