Myths and Facts about Evangelism and Church Growth
The U.S. Congregational Life Survey provided a unique look at what works in the areas of evangelism and church growth. Responses from samples of fast-growing churches helped us debunk common myths.

• Only congregations in growing areas are adding members.
  • Fact: Three strengths are positive predictors of growth — Caring for Children and Youth, Welcoming New People, and Participating in the Congregation.
  • Fact: Other factors don't predict growth — denomination or faith group, congregational size, income levels of worshipers, average age of worshipers, and population growth around the church.
• Only new or recently established congregations are growing.
  • Fact: Less than half of fast-growing Presbyterian churches were established after 1960. Most are older.
• Only large churches grow.
  • Fact: 39% of fast-growing Presbyterian churches have fewer than 200 in worship. Small congregations grow, too!
• Most new people are new to the faith.
  • Fact: Most new people attending their congregation for five years or less have changed congregations within the same denomination (transfers: 57%).
  • Only 7% are first-timers who are new to the faith. A few (18%) are returnees who used to attend worship but recently have not been involved, and 18% are switchers who changed denominations.
• New people usually learn about the congregation from advertising.
  • Fact: Many new people (47%) visit for the first time because someone invited them; only 6% came for the first time due to advertising.
  • Fact: Most new people visit between 1 and 3 congregations before choosing their new home.
  • Fact: Advertising helps raise awareness of the congregation and can make current members feel proud of their congregation.
• New people usually come back after the first time because of the coffee hour.
  • Fact: People return because of the quality of the sermon (36%), the friendliness of the people (32%), and the overall worship experience (30%).
  • Fact: Too many new people (38%) report no follow-up from the congregation after their first visit. In Catholic parishes, 53% of new people report no follow-up.
• Worship services in growing churches offer only contemporary music.
  • Fact: Almost all worship services in growing Presbyterian churches (89%) include traditional hymns.
  • Fact: Services in growing congregations are more likely to include contemporary music and laughter.
    
     

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