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Articles by Lifeway Research
8 Critical Signposts of a Healthy Church
Getty Images Christians should grow in these discipleship signposts. Conversely, if you’re not seeing growth in these areas, discipleship may have stalled out. By Staff Imagine yourself on a trail deep in the woods. You’ve been walking for a long time, and though you set out on a clearly marked trail, it’s been quite some time since you’ve seen any markers. The undergrowth has become thick; there are few signs that people have regularly walked this way before.
COMMENTARY: How to support church members in their Bible reading plans
“This is my year. Starting January 1, I will read the Bible every day, and by December 31, I will have read the entire Bible. The entire Bible. In one year. I’m ready.” Those were my words, and that was my plan. Spoiler alert: It didn’t work. Maybe for the same reasons Bible reading plans haven’t worked for members in your church. We begin a Bible reading plan with great passion and excitement, but before long, we’re just a little bit behind. Then, life happens, and we’re just a little further behind.
How effective is your church at serving others?
Most churchgoers say they’re looking for ways to serve God as well as the people in their churches and communities, but many still struggle to make that a reality. Serving God and others is one of eight key signposts measuring distinct characteristics for believers progressing in their spiritual maturity, according to the Lifeway Research State of Discipleship study. The average U.S. Protestant churchgoer scores 73.1 out of 100 in serving God and others, placing it third among the signposts.
A dozen ministry trends to consider this year
The changing religious landscape and cultural context make ministry in 2026 unique. Pastors and church leaders should keep these 12 trends in mind as they aim to disciple their congregations and reach their communities. One of the more radical recent shifts is the newfound stability of Christianity in the U.S. After decades of decline, Christianity has leveled off and the religiously unaffiliated have plateaued, according to recent studies from Pew Research and Gallup.
Lifeway Research finds churchgoers aim to serve in and out of church
Photo via Unsplash. BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Most churchgoers say they’re looking for ways to serve God as well as the people in their churches and communities, but many still struggle to make that a reality. Serving God and others is one of eight key signposts measuring distinct characteristics for believers progressing in their spiritual maturity, according to the Lifeway Research State of Discipleship study.
Is Gen Z experiencing a religious revival?
The latest Pew Research study finds Christianity remains stable after decades of decline, while the story for young adults remains complicated. Since 2020, the percentage of Americans who identify as Christian has hovered in the low to mid-60s. Those with no religious preference have consistently made up almost 30% of the population, while those of other religions comprise less than 10%.
Study: What do the 'nones' really believe?
Around a quarter of Americans don’t identify with any religion, but many reportedly still hold some religious perspectives, according to Liveway Research story. Lifeway Research surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. adults who are atheist, agnostic or have no stated religious preference to discover their perspective on meaning, morals and what’s missing from society.
Most churchgoers try to avoid sin before it happens and seek to confess it afterward. For many, confession is a regular part of their faith. The joint action of obeying God and denying self is one of eight signposts that seek to measure characteristics evident in believers progressing in spiritual maturity in Lifeway Research’s State of Discipleship study. On a scale of 0 to 100, the average U.S. Protestant churchgoer scores 75.1 on this signpost, ranking it second.
Most churchgoers regularly confess sin, according to Lifeway Research
Photo via Unsplash. BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Most churchgoers try to avoid sin before it happens and seek to confess it afterward. For many, confession is a regular part of their faith. The joint action of obeying God and denying self is one of eight signposts that seek to measure characteristics evident in believers progressing in spiritual maturity in Lifeway Research’s State of Discipleship study.
Fewer than 1 in 3 churchgoers read the Bible daily
Most churchgoers place a high value on the Bible, but only about a third commit to reading it every day. The Lifeway Research State of Discipleship study found Bible engagement to be one among eight signposts measuring distinct characteristics for believers progressing in their spiritual maturity. On a scale of 0 to 100, the average churchgoer scores 69.8 on Bible engagement, placing it fifth among the signposts.
The changing religious landscape in the United States includes a decline in the total number of Protestant churches. In 2024, Lifeway Research estimates 3,800 new Protestant churches were started in the U.S., while 4,000 churches were closed. This is based on analysis of congregational information provided by 35 denominations or faith groups, representing 58% of all Protestant churches. For more stories at your doorstep, subscribe to The Baptist Paper. SIGN UP for our weekly Highlights emails.
Lifeway Research finds church closures eclipse openings
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — The changing religious landscape in the United States includes a decline in the total number of Protestant and Southern Baptist churches. In 2024, Lifeway Research estimates 3,800 new Protestant churches were started in the U.S., while 4,000 churches were closed. This is based on analysis of congregational information provided by 35 denominations or faith groups, representing 58 percent of all Protestant churches.
Study: Gen Z's religious status and how it compares with other generations
The latest Pew Research study finds Christianity remains stable after decades of decline, while the story for young adults remains complicated. Since 2020, the percentage of Americans who identify as Christian has hovered in the low to mid-60s. Those with no religious preference have consistently made up almost 30 percent of the population, while those of other religions comprise less than 10%. For more stories at your doorstep, subscribe to The Baptist Paper.
At what point does someone qualify as a regular church attendee? A Lifeway Research study found answers vary. Pastors are most likely to say attending church twice a month qualifies as being regular (30%). Others say attending once a month makes someone a regular churchgoer (24%). Perhaps most intriguing, older pastors are most inclined to have a higher standard for defining a regular attendee, saying at least weekly attendance is required (22%).
'Clarity and courage': Empowering parents and student ministers
Sometimes, youth ministry and parenting feel like two vans passing in the night (or, better yet, passing in the church parking lot). Pastors wave. Parents smile. We might even coordinate big events and summer calendars together. But most days, it feels like we’re doing the same mission on parallel tracks, hoping we’re headed in the same direction without ever really asking, “Who are we for each other?” For more stories at your doorstep, subscribe to The Baptist Paper.
The necessity of the Trinity, and where we go wrong teaching this doctrine
J.I. Packer says the doctrine of the Trinity “confronts us with perhaps the most difficult thought that the human mind has ever been asked to handle. It is not easy; but it is true.” Someone once said, “If you don’t believe in the Trinity, you will lose your soul. But if you try to understand it, you will lose your mind.” It’s true that some things are beyond our complete knowledge, but they aren’t beyond our partial knowledge.
Christmas means extra giving for churchgoers, according to Lifeway Research
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — For many churchgoers, Christmastime means giving time. Most say they regularly donate money and items to their churches as well as to local and national ministries and non-profits. Churchgoing adults in the U.S. are likely to make financial and item donations during the Christmas season, according to a Lifeway Research study.
New Hispanic churches find success, Lifeway Research shows
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Despite potential barriers within the congregation, the community and the broader culture, new Hispanic churches in the U.S. are reaching new people and welcoming new faces. Working with 16 denominations or similar groups, Lifeway Research surveyed leaders at almost 300 new Protestant Hispanic church works to gain an understanding of the current landscape. The study, sponsored by Exponential and the Church Planting Leadership Fellowship, follows up on a similar 2019 study.
2025 State of Theology report shows encouraging, concerning signs
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – What people believe matters – and Lifeway Research’s State of Theology Insights Report helps leaders understand those beliefs and take a step toward meaningful ministry. The State of Theology is a biennial study from Lifeway Research sponsored by Ligonier Ministries, tracking Americans’ beliefs about God’s nature, sin, the Bible and more. The 2025 study surveyed more than 3,000 U.S. adults and follows previous studies in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022.
Kirk Kirkland to lead Lifeway Worship
Lifeway Christian Resources announced this week that Kirk Kirkland will step into the role of director of Lifeway Worship on Dec. 1. See related stories on Lifeway Worship. “We are overjoyed to welcome Kirk to the team at Lifeway,” said Joe Walker, interim Lifeway president. “Kirk’s experience in music ministry, his understanding of Lifeway’s culture and mission, and his ability to relate to worship leaders and music industry leaders uniquely qualify him for this role.
Analysis of Annual Church Profile shows areas of decline, growth in SBC
The average Southern Baptist church is likely an older, small Southern church. If you want to find a growing congregation, however, you might need to look for a new, larger church — or even one in the Northeast. Recent Lifeway Research analysis of the 2024 Annual Church Profile reveals a membership decline among existing Southern Baptist churches across every region of the United States, and a convention comprised of a growing percentage of the smallest churches.
ACP analysis reveals areas of decline, growth in Southern Baptist Convention
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – The average Southern Baptist church is likely an older, small Southern church. If you want to find a growing congregation, however, you might need to look for a new, larger church – or even one in the Northeast. Recent Lifeway Research analysis of the 2024 Annual Church Profile reveals a membership decline among existing Southern Baptist churches across every region of the United States, and a convention composed of a growing percentage of the smallest churches.
Studies show Americans doubt ghosts, paranormal activity
Many U.S. homes may decorate with ghosts and witches for Halloween, but most U.S. adults are doubtful they actually exist. Surveys from Gallup and Pew find broad skepticism for psychics, ghosts, astrology and witches. Gallup ghosts No paranormal phenomena were believed by a majority of Americans, according to Gallup’s study. U.S. adults were most split over the existence of some type of physical healing ability, either psychic, spiritual, or the power of the human mind.
Americans skeptical about paranormal phenomena
Many U.S. homes may decorate with ghosts and witches for Halloween, but most U.S. adults are doubtful they actually exist. Surveys from Gallup and Pew find broad skepticism for psychics, ghosts, astrology and witches. Gallup ghosts No paranormal phenomena were believed by a majority of Americans, according to Gallup’s study. U.S. adults were most split over the existence of some type of physical healing ability, either psychic, spiritual or the power of the human mind.
Rural church pastors face obstacles with optimism, survey shows
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Life in rural America has its charms and challenges. Those who pastor in small towns across the United States recognize the trials inherent to those areas but believe God is working in their congregations and communities. A Lifeway Research study of pastors in small towns and rural areas identified unique features of ministry in those places.
How the theology of evangelicals has changed since 2022
The 2025 State of Theology finds significant stability among Americans across many theological questions. Among evangelicals by belief, however, there was more divergence across issues when compared to the 2022 State of Theology. This demonstrates how much of an aberration the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent fallout were. The theological beliefs of Americans and evangelicals significantly changed in the immediate aftermath.
Study: Rural church ministry 'has its challenges,' but pastors 'find great delight' in work
A Lifeway Research study of pastors in small towns and rural areas identified unique features of ministry in those places. The Center for Rural Ministry at Grove City College, The Rural Home Missionary Association and the Rural Church Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center sponsored the study.
Tennessee church lets the ‘Word do the work’
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — When all nine campuses of Brentwood Baptist Church committed to reading through the Bible together, the church experienced real life change that didn’t just affect one ministry or group of people in the church; it changed families. Jay Strother, senior pastor of Brentwood Baptist, said, “We have a saying, let the Word do the work.
Americans split on the role religion should play in schools
U.S. adults are nearly equally divided on how much of a role religion should play in public schools, according to a YouGov poll. A third (34 percent) say it doesn’t play enough of a role, a quarter (26 percent) say it’s involved about the right amount, and a quarter (26 percent) say religion plays too much of a role.
COMMENTARY: Biblical self-care
Although self-care isn’t new, the past five years have witnessed a notable increase in conversations related to self-care. According to Google Trends, April 2020 marked a peak in search popularity for the term self-care. Through ebbs and flows of the past five years, the term’s popularity has remained notably higher than in the previous decades.
120 countries have a Christian majority
Christians make up 29% of the global population but are a majority in 120 countries, according to the most recent analysis by Pew Research. Four nations lost a Christian majority, however, as the percentage fell from 62% in 2010 to 60% in 2020.
Slim majority backs physician-assisted suicide
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Half of Americans believe a terminally ill person should be able to ask a doctor for help in ending their life. Legal approval has outpaced the growth in public support. A Lifeway Research study of U.S. adults finds 51 percent think it is morally acceptable for a person facing a painful terminal disease to ask for a physician’s aid in taking his or her life.
Report: Pastors and the state of discipleship
In the first part of the State of Discipleship study from Lifeway Research, U.S. Protestant pastors shared their understanding of what discipleship means and how it best occurs. The full State of Discipleship will be released over the next year, providing the perspectives of both pastors and churchgoers. “Making disciples was the Great Commission Jesus gave His followers before He returned to heaven,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research.
COMMENTARY: Why Bible engagement is essential for flourishing
Bloom where you’re planted. It’s a sentiment you’ve probably heard before that brings to mind a picture of flourishing. But what is flourishing? What does it mean to thrive? And how can we help the people in our churches flourish where they are?
US leads 'Secular West' in many positive measures of Bible use, attitudes, practices
Much of pastors’ and church leaders’ work involves zooming in at the local, congregational, and even familial or individual level. But from time to time, it behooves leaders to zoom out and consider what’s happening with faith and culture at the national and even international level. A survey of American Bible readers equips pastors and church leaders to recognize the needs and opportunities in their communities, enabling them to minister more effectively.
Americans have grown more morally permissive on a host of issues
When it comes to morality, Americans don’t see much wrong with using birth control or getting a divorce, but few support extramarital affairs or human cloning. The latest poll results from Gallup spell out what activities U.S. adults view as morally acceptable and which ones are seen as immoral.
Amidst high distrust, some Americans are regaining confidence in the church
While most Americans remain distrustful of the church, a growing number say they have confidence in the institution. Currently, 36% say they trust the church, according to Gallup’s annual tracking poll. For the past three years, the percentage of U.S. adults who said they had a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in the church or organized religion has hovered near record lows. In 2022, trust fell to 31% of Americans and has been at 32% the previous two years.
Former pastors share reasons behind their ministry exit
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Few pastors leave the pulpit each year, but those who do mostly say it was a personal decision. According to a Lifeway Research study of former senior pastors in four Protestant denominations who stepped down before retirement age, 4 in 5 (81 percent) felt sure during most of their ministry at their last church that they could stay there as long as they wanted.
Americans' trust in the Church making rebound?
While most Americans remain distrustful of the church, a growing number say they have confidence in the institution. Currently, 36% say they trust the church, according to Gallup’s annual tracking poll. For the past three years, the percentage of U.S. adults who said they had a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in the church or organized religion has hovered near record lows. In 2022, trust fell to 31% of Americans and has been at 32% the previous two years.
Study: Protestant churches serving local schools in a variety of ways
As students head back to the classroom, they’re likely to see the impact of local churches in their schools this year. According to a Lifeway Research study, 4 in 5 U.S. Protestant pastors identify at least one way their congregations have engaged with local public schools in the last year. Only 18% of churches say they weren’t involved with area schools. The average congregation connected with schools in more than two ways. RELATED: Check out more Lifeway Research stories.
Pastors, burnout and myths about a mass exodus
Each week, headlines tell us pastors are burnt out. They’re leaving the ministry. They’re throwing in the towel. Pastoral ministry is too hard on the family. The demands are too high. The challenges are too difficult. The message we hear: There’s a mass exodus of pastors. While this story isn’t all wrong, the assertion that pastors are leaving the pulpit in droves because of ministry burnout is a myth. The research tells a different story.
Pastors, burnout and the myth about a mass exodus
Each week, headlines tell us pastors are burnt out. They’re leaving the ministry. They’re throwing in the towel. Pastoral ministry is too hard on the family. The demands are too high. The challenges are too difficult. The message we hear: There’s a mass exodus of pastors. While this story isn’t all wrong, the assertion that pastors are leaving the pulpit in droves because of ministry burnout is a myth. The research tells a different story.
Pastors in different Protestant traditions face unique challenges
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — In general, U.S. Protestant pastors continue to stay behind the pulpit, but they may be facing unique challenges depending on their church’s denominational identity. A recent Lifeway Research study of evangelical and Black Protestant pastors found the percentage who leave the ministry for reasons other than retirement or death has remained consistent over the past decade. The current attrition rate for pastors in these groups is 1.2 percent.
Study: Mainline pastors less likely to hold historic Christian doctrine
While there are likely numerous theological differences between evangelical, Catholic and Black Protestant pastors, they share core convictions that aren’t as common among mainline pastors. According to the National Survey of Religious Leaders (NSRL) report, “Clergy who lead predominantly white mainline Protestant churches are much less likely to hold traditionally orthodox Christian beliefs than clergy in any other group.” For more stories at your doorstep, subscribe to The Baptist Paper.
Study shows most church still pass the plate
When it comes to collecting offerings, most churches pass a plate, but they may also have a basket waiting for you as you walk out the door. According to a Lifeway Research study of U.S. Protestant pastors, almost 3 in 4 say their congregation collects physical offerings by passing something around at the worship service. Close to half of pastors also report having ways to give as attendees arrive or leave. Some pastors say their congregations use more than one method.
Student pastors face unique ministry insecurities
A recent Lifeway Research study found student ministry leaders, as a whole, feel supported by pastors and fellow leaders at their churches as well as by parents. Yet, many also report feeling insecure about their roles.
Evangelical pastors more likely than others to be bivocational
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Working 9 to 5 doesn’t cut it for many pastors. Neither does working strictly at one church. The National Survey of Religious Leaders (NSRL) report revealed 35 percent of all clergy in the U.S. serve bivocationally, holding an additional job outside of their congregational ministry. Among evangelical Protestants, bivocational ministry is even more common. The study found almost half (47 percent) report having a second job.
Most churches still pass the offering plate
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — When it comes to collecting offerings, most churches pass a plate, but they may also have a basket waiting for you as you walk out the door. According to a Lifeway Research study of U.S. Protestant pastors, almost 3 in 4 say their congregation collects physical offerings by passing something around at the worship service. Close to half of pastors also report having ways to give as attendees arrive or leave. Some pastors say their congregations use more than one method.
Study: Pastors less engaged with counseling resources, more isolated
Compared to a decade ago, pastors have less training in counseling but are more hesitant to refer church members to professionals. A recent Lifeway Research study examining the rate at which evangelical and Black Protestant pastors leave the ministry also asked pastors about their experience with counseling, both in their ministry preparation and practice. For more stories at your doorstep, subscribe to The Baptist Paper. ALSO, SIGN UP for our weekly Highlights emails.
Churches Rarely Discipline Members
Free Republic Browse · Search Religion Topics · Post Article Skip to comments. Churches Rarely Discipline Members Lifeway Research ^ | June 24, 2025 | Aaron Earls Posted on by Morgana Lifeway Research found pastors haven’t felt the need to practice church discipline in their congregations frequently, if at all. Most pastors say their churches have policies in place to address significant misbehavior by church members, but few have actually used those policies recently.
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