A New Landscape for Churches and Pastors

Thom Rainer, from Church Answers, in conjunction with a new Lifeway Survey, has issued what I believe to be some profound research in an article entitled, “The New very Large Church”.

It blew me away….

I have previously posted the percentage breakdown of church size here on Facebook. It has been fairly standardized over the last 30 years. The numbers and percentages have changed importantly in the last couple of years.

What is a Large Church?

Let’s look at the breakdown of churches by average worship attendance:

• Under 50 in attendance: 31% of all churches
• 51 – 99: 37%
• 100 – 249: 24%
• 250 and above: 8%

All of the numbers are fascinating, but the largest category should cause us to pause. Only 8 percent of churches have an attendance of 250 or more. These churches now define the category, “very large churches.”

There are still megachurches of 2,000 or more in worship attendance and mid-megachurches of 1,000 to 1,999, but those churches are now without question, the outliers. If a church has an attendance of 250, its size is in the largest category. I understand that the metric of church attendance size is incomplete when it comes to analysis and evaluation of ministries must eclipse attendance alone; however, the numbers do say something.  

For the experts, they are shifting their vocabulary and identification.

• Under 50 in attendance: smaller churches
• 51 – 99: mid-size churches
• 100 – 249: large churches
• 250 and above: larger churches

The Church scene and the American congregation is changing dramatically.

What might this mean?

• Ministry training and education will have to adapt to this reality.
• Denominations may need to pivot with regards to their support systems and relationships. Especially with search committees or placement appointments.
• More pastors and staff may need to think in bi-vocational terms.
• Church members will need to be equipped and step up to the ministry “plate”.
• Church budgets may be smaller.
• Mega-churches may need to rethink their campus models and centralization.
• Like-minded Churches may be “forced” to cooperate with one another in Christian education and Kingdom impact for their towns and cities.
• Our metrics of success have significantly changed from the template of a large CEO driven organization to an actual “family” of faith.
• Smaller may now be more “attractive”.

The list is endless…

Better start adjusting now…