By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. — After enduring difficult economic seasons recently, churches are better prepared for financial rainy days than they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. A Lifeway Research study on the financial health of U.S. Protestant churches found fewer congregations have less than two months of cash reserves compared to a previous study in 2016. … [Read more...]
Research reveals importance of small groups, evangelism, assimilation for church growth
By Marissa Postell Sullivan NASHVILLE, Tenn. - As churches continue ministry in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many are finding it increasingly difficult to grow their small groups. However, churches continue to report new commitments to Christ and changed lives. According to a Lifeway Research study, the authority of Scripture is foundational to churches’ groups … [Read more...]
Most pastors, churchgoers see more than monthly attendance as standard
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. — If you want to be considered a regular at a local church by those behind the pulpit and in the pews, you’ll probably need to show up in person at least a couple times a month. A study from Lifeway Research finds a majority of both U.S. Protestant pastors and churchgoers consider someone to be a regular church attender if they attend twice … [Read more...]
Pastors encourage racial reconciliation, churchgoers want more diversity in the church
By Marissa Postell Sullivan NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Although pastors are doing more to encourage racial reconciliation and churchgoers say their church is doing enough to be ethnically diverse, nearly half of churchgoers say their church needs to become more ethnically diverse. In a survey of American churchgoers, 49% say their church needs to become more ethnically diverse, … [Read more...]
U.S. Hispanic Protestant landscape full of growing, vibrant churches
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Hispanic churches in the United States face unique challenges but are finding success in building community within their congregations and reaching those outside their walls. Lifeway Research partnered with two dozen denominations and church networks to include what is likely the largest number of Protestant Hispanic congregations in the … [Read more...]
