Research and Trends

Southern Baptists Lost More Than 1,200 Congregations in 2022

The primary reason congregations are no longer considered active Southern Baptist congregations is that they cease to exist.

Evangelicals in the Public Arena

While it is true that evangelicals tend to be much more conservative than the overall U.S. population, both liberals and moderates exist within the American evangelical community.

Time for a Change

Lifeway Research surveyed 1,001 adults who left churches. All of those interviewed had eventually made their way to a new church, so this snapshot does not include those who are gone for good.

Encouraging Signs for the Post-Pandemic Church

A glimpse of people’s church experience during COVID and their intentions for church participation post-COVID

Research: America’s Religious Realignment

Major changes in America's faith profile

Research: Church Closings and the Need for More New Churches

In 2019 church closings outpaced church openings.

Research: Moralistic Therapeutic Deism on the Rise

According to new research from the Cultural Research Center, although 3 out of 4 people (74%) who lean substantially on MTD for life guidance consider themselves to be Christians, numerous beliefs held by MTD-reliant adults conflict with biblical teaching.

Research: How the Pandemic Changed Churchgoers’ Discipleship Habits

Churchgoers were less likely to be involved in small groups during the pandemic, but many added some digital and individual activities to their discipleship routines.

Grief, Memorial and Hope

At a time of great national loss the church has an opportunity—and a responsibility.

Research: The Shifting Views of Americans on Meaning and Purpose

As Americans attempt to move past the life-altering effects of 2020, their perspective is shifting on some of the most significant questions facing humanity. A...