Research and Trends

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.

Preteens on Track to Abandon Biblical Christianity in Record Numbers

Children are intellectual and spiritual sponges in their preteen years. They are desperately trying to make sense of the world, their identity, their purpose and how to live a meaningful and satisfying life.

The 2024 State of Church Giving Report Now Available

Despite an overall increase in giving, the report showed that 55% of churches reported a decrease in giving due to inflation.

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...

Research: U.S. Church Attendees Plan to Return Post-Pandemic

When COVID-19 is no longer an active threat to people’s health, 91% plan to attend in-person worship services at least as often as they did before the coronavirus pandemic. That includes almost a quarter (23%) who plan to attend more than they did previously.

Majority of Churchgoers Proud of Church’s Pandemic Response

Almost 9 in 10 Protestant churchgoers (86%) say they are proud of how their church has responded during the coronavirus pandemic, with 58% strongly agreeing.