Podcast Episode #354
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Statistics of doom and gloom for churches are all the rage—especially for those who specialize in helping churches. But are they correct? Not always.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
- It takes about three years of data to see patterns in churches.
- 56% of churches are in absolute decline.
- More than 1/3 of churches are growing.
Episode Sponsors
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Feedback
If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you’ll receive a free copy of Who Moved My Pulpit?
Thom, you are doing the Church a great service with your work. Your love and gentle spirit come through with each session.
Thank you, Ron.
I’m curious about state by state church growth statistics. Where would I go about getting stats like that? I looked on Barna, but the stats there are just current year…
Things never remain the same. Change is in the air. Every so often, a Local Body of Christ should do a comprehensive self study. The self study will show a local church its strengths and areas for improvement.
At all times, we need to take a look at: 1. Worship 2. Nurture 4. Christian Education 4. Mission 5. Stewardship 6. Evangelism 7. Spiritual development 8. Community Involvement 9. Exploring and discussing social issues 20. Long range planning
I look forward to hearing more about what you all found in your polling data. Thank you for your podcast.
Thom, we are doing Invite Your One on September 17th. This is new evangelism focus just hits me at the right time. You’re helping rural pastors in Southern Ohio greatly! Thanks!
Thank you, Adam! You guys are my heroes.
My husband and I have doing outreach since 1997 we take our mission to each church we somehow end up joining 6 so far it always end up just being us 2 plus occasional 1we are now in a church that name is outreach but the ideas of outside ministry they don’t fully understand I say our mission is to go he therefore on Sunday’s when most churches are inside buildings it is so disheartening that we cannot get the concept of outreach. Please help me understand I am so exhausted thinking please help me.
Are there any statistics on how people find faith in Christ? I.e. Crusade, tv, Sunday school, outreaches, friends, etc