The Church Number: From 137 to 60 The Shrinking Median Church in America (2000–2023)
Rainer on Leadership
Why is the median church shrinking?
They explore causes: overall attendance decline, fewer megachurches, and pandemic acceleration of existing trends.
Since 2000, one of the most reliable sources of data on congregations in America has been the Faith Communities Today study, often referred to as FACT. It’s been conducted every five years, with the most recent survey in 2023 representing tens of thousands of congregations across every major faith tradition.
The FACT research gives us a clear picture of what the ‘typical’ church looks like over time. And here’s one of the most striking trends: in 2000, the median church in America had 137 people in attendance at weekly worship services. By 2023, that number had dropped to just 60. Today, Sam and Thom will talk about what that shift means for pastors, leaders, and the future of congregations.
Resources:
- “The Surprising Return of the Neighborhood Church: Discover How Your Church Is Primed to Reach Your Neighbors” by Sam Rainer (affiliate link)
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