Attendance up but finances down

At least one-third of U.S. churches and other religious congregations experienced an increase in worship attendance of more than 5% between between 2000 and 2005 (42%) and no conflict between 2003 and 2005 (35%). But leaders of only a quarter of congregations (26%) strongly agree that their congregation has a strong sense of purpose, and only one in six congregations (16%) are in excellent financial condition.

Those are findings of a 2005 survey of nearly 1,000 sampled congregations from across the country. The Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership (CCSP), a consortium of U.S. Christian denominations and other faith communities and religious researchers affiliated with them, has sponsored three Faith Communities Today (FACT) surveys (in 2000, 2005, and 2008).

The findings that almost half of congregations are experiencing numerical growth suggests that the widely commented on decline in community involvement has affected secular activities more than religious activities. The finding that few congregations are in great financial health may portend trouble in the future, as nationwide economic conditions threaten to drag down congregations with them.

For more information about findings from the FACT 2005 survey, see the "American Congregations 2005" report, available for order at http://fact.hartsem.edu/products/index.html and accessible on-line at: http://fact.hartsem.edu/American%20Congregations%202005%20pro.pdf.

For general information about the partnership and the survey, see: http://fact.hartsem.edu/

-- Perry Chang