The biggest statistical change noted between 2020 and 2023 among U.S. adults overall was a staggering 20-percentage point decline in those who believe they have a unique, God-given calling or purpose for their life, highlighting shifts in the American church post-COVID.
Slightly more churches today have reserves ranging from 16 to 51 weeks. In 2016, 27% said that was the case. Today, 32% have that amount on hand. The percentage of pastors today who say their congregation has more than a year’s worth is similar to 2016 (23% in 2016 vs. 24% now).
The pandemic has permanently changed the way we think about church.
Guidelines to help church leaders moving forward
This article originally appeared on MissioAlliance.org and is reposted here by permission. In 2004, Patricia O’Connell Killen and Mark Silk edited and contributed to the book Religion and Public Life in the Pacific Northwest: The None Zone. Since its publication, people in Pacific Northwest (PNW) religious circles have discussed and strategized ways to do ministry in the … Continued
