Americans may be finding their religion after years of losing it. A new survey finds more than half (52%) of Protestant churches in the U.S. report an increase in their worship attendance over the last four years, with only 15% reporting a decline in attendance. That signals a reversal of a years-long trend that has seen church attendance steadily decline in America.
There are other positive signs when it comes to Americans' faith. Bible sales are soaring, especially with younger Americans. At the same time, the share of Americans who identify as Christians is now at 62%. That is down notably from 78% nearly two decades ago, but a slight increase from the all-time low of 60% recorded in the last few years. "We're really encouraged right now by what we're seeing, including a real uptick in energy and numbers in the younger age groups," says Dave Welch, president of the Texas Pastor Council.
Welch tells KTRH his organization has seen positive trends in line with what the latest surveys show. "In the last five years, churches in which the full word of God is being taught, where the power of God is tangible, and the spirit of God is moving, have experienced steady and even explosive growth," he says. "So the truth is, people are searching for a hope that nothing in this world can give them."
In fact, Welch wouldn't call this a comeback for the church...just a continuation. "The church was born literally 2,000 years ago in persecution, and some of its strongest growth over the centuries has been in times of actual great persecution," he explains. "So ultimately, the message hasn't changed. (Churches) are standing firmly on historic truth."
Photo: Arrollado, Jean (uploader)