Survey Indicates Growth in Majority of U.S. Protestant Churches

A new survey conducted by Lifeway Research and sponsored by the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center reports that 54 percent of U.S. Protestant churches have seen worship attendance grow by at least four percent since 2023. While 30 percent of pastors reported no significant change, only 16 percent noted a decline of four percent or more. The average attendance per service rose to 183, compared to 176 in the previous year.

Growth trends varied significantly by congregation size and denomination. Larger churches with over 250 attendees were the most likely to report growth at 70 percent, whereas smaller congregations of 50 to 99 members were more prone to decline. Among denominations, Pentecostal churches reported the highest growth rates at 63 percent, followed by Baptist and non-denominational churches. Conversely, Lutheran congregations were the most likely to report stable attendance, while 26 percent of Methodist churches experienced a decline.

Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, noted that these findings contrast with pre-pandemic expectations of widespread decline. While the data suggests a positive trajectory for many, separate research from the American Bible Society indicates that many self-identifying Christians attend services less than once per month.