Over the next few newsletter issues, and on our Facebook page, we will explore many of the factors that strongly correlate with numerical growth in congregations. We realize that growth in numbers isn't always the best measure of spiritual vitality or a rich religious experience. However, it is a question we are often asked. In later months, and in an upcoming report, we will broaden this perspective on congregational health and vitality signs.

 

We want to focus specifically on those traits and practices that are present in growing faith communities that a leadership team might be able to also implement in their own setting.

 

We begin this series with one of the most powerful connections to the growth of a congregation in our research - that is getting the membership involved in inviting others into the life of the congregation. "This may seem like a no brainer," stated our 2015 report, but "the more a congregation's laity is involved in recruitment the more likely growth is-and the effect is dramatic (see the figure below). Our study found that just 14% of over 4000 congregations surveyed said their laity was "quite" or "very involved" in recruitment.


Getting your members both excited about their involvement in the congregation and also willing to share that excitement with others outside the church is key to any congregational growth strategy.

 

Our latest report, authored by David Roozen the director of the project, includes 18 pages of significant findings in text and graphics. This is the first of several focused reports to be released in 2016 from the national survey of over 4400 U.S. congregations. These other reports will include a closer look at growth, young adult ministry, measures of vitality, and the use of technology.