New sociological research reports on churches in the United States in October 2021. See thread below.
"only 34% of faith communities grew by 5% or
more between 2015 and 2020 – which means an average of 1% growth per year."
Scott Thumma – Faith Communities Today – Hartford Institute for Religion Research at Hartford Seminary. Oct 14, 2021
"26% of U.S. adults say they have attended religious services in person in the last month (prior to when the survey was conducted, Sept. 20-26, 2021). This is up from 17% who reported having attended in person as of March 2021, and from 13% in July 2020."
"Empty Pews Are an American Public Health Crisis
Americans are rapidly giving up on church. Our minds and bodies will pay the price."
TYLER J. VANDERWEELE AND BRENDAN CASE
OCTOBER 19, 2021
https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/november/church-empty-pews-are-american-public-health-crisis.html
They cite Barna Group twice without a link to the source. Not good.
Brendan Case says they are citing this March 4, 2020 Barna Group report.
I'm adding to this thread of October 2021 sociological research on churches, this new August-September survey of pastors.
Originally tweeted by Andy Rowell (@AndyRowell) on October 22, 2021.