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.

Study: The Economy’s Negative Impact on Churches

Pastors at the largest churches (those with 250 or more in attendance) are the least likely to say the economy has somewhat or very negatively impacted their churches this year (34%). They are also the most likely to report that giving levels are above those in 2022 (57%).

Growing Southern Baptist Churches More Likely in Northeast

Membership in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont churches together grew by 1% from 2017 to 2022. Every other area saw a numerical decline for Southern Baptist churches.

AI-Powered Preaching: How Much Should Silicon Valley Impact Sermon Prep?

Pastors and church leaders should be aware of its potential 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.

New Report on the Rise of Persecuted Christians and Global Displacement Around the World

"The persecution of Christians continues to grow around the globe. As Americans, we must decide how we'll respond,” said Ryan Brown, president and CEO of Open Doors US. “Our hope is this report not only provides a call to respond, but also helps inform that response."

Research: Parents Feel Ill-Equipped to Disciple Kids

“If you want a roadmap for how to raise a child to be a spiritual champion,” he explains, “the actions undertaken as part of those four disciple-making practices offer a well-traveled pathway en route to a successful outcome.”

Security and Your Church

Compared to three years ago, pastors say they’re more likely to be relying on armed churchgoers and less likely to have a no firearms policy for their building.

Prosperity Gospel Beliefs on the Rise, Survey Says

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.

Fear Prevalent in Pews, According to Protestant Pastors

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 fear about the future of the country and world (72%).