facts on growth

Faith Communities Today and the Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership (CCSP) has released Facts on Growth - a study of over 14,000 local churches, synagogues, parishes, temples and mosques to see what makes congregations grow (or not). Here are some interesting tidbits:

Tidbit #1: Congregations located in newer suburbs are more likely to experience growth than congregations in any other type of location. (If you're not in a new suburb, we do not recommend moving your church to one just to grow the congregation.)

Tidbit #2: Congregations that are composed of 2+ racial/ethnic groups are more likely to have experienced strong growth in worship attendance.

Tidbit #3: How old are your congregants? Congregations where older adults (60+) compromise 20% or less of active adult participation are most likely to grow. Similarly, larger proportions of younger adults lead to growth opportunities. Read: Your church needs to reach young adults and families.


Tidbit #4: A higher proportion of women is associated with decline. "As was the case for younger adults, the congregation that is able to attract larger proportions of men, who also tend to be less religiously active, is the exceptional congregation - and is more likely to grow."

Tidbit #5: Conservative or liberal? Growth is least likely among congregations that say they are "right in the middle." Only 27% of centrist congregations are growing at the highest level.

Tidbit #6: "More important that theological orientation is the religious character of the congregation and clarity of mission and purpose. Growing churches are clear about why they exist and about what they are to be doing."

Tidbit #7: Congregations that have experienced major conflict are quite likely to have declined in attendance (42% did). The interesting thing here is that minor conflicts didn't seem to have much affect. That's how important it is to not let a little problem get out of hand - 24% important.


Tidbit #8: Make a joyful noise. 86% of the congregations who described their worship as "joyful" are experiencing strong growth, whereas almost 60% of congregations who described their worship as "reverent" are declining in attendance.

Tidbit #9: Congregations that involve children in worship were more likely to experience significant growth.

Tidbit #10: The programmatic activity that is most strongly related to growth is establishing or maintaining a web site for the congregation.

Tidbit #11: Have a party. 44% of congregations that sponsor an event to attract non-members experience significant growth.