Where Have All the Church Members Gone?
A Webinar with Thom Rainer and Jennifer McCraw
Join Upward Sports and Thom Rainer, CEO of Church Answers, for a powerful discussion on the state of church attendance and how churches can effectively engage their communities.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar
✔ Trends in Church Attendance: The median worship attendance in U.S. churches has dropped to 55 people or fewer, with younger generations attending church less frequently than previous ones.
✔ Outreach Strategies That Work: Churches that host at least four evangelistic events per year see higher conversion growth.
✔ The Power of Small Groups: Members involved in small groups are five times more likely to stay connected to a church long-term.
✔ Sports as a Ministry Tool: Upward Sports provides a low-barrier, high-impact opportunity for churches to engage entire families through sports outreach.
Q&A Highlights from the Webinar
Q: What is the largest age group engaging in conversion growth today?
✅ A: The highest conversion rates still occur among younger generations, particularly Gen Z (born 1997–2012). Historically, people are most receptive to the gospel at a younger age, making youth-focused ministries critical for church growth.
Q: How has online church attendance impacted physical church engagement?
✅ A: While online church attendance surged during COVID-19, most churches have since seen a decline in online engagement. Today, streaming services primarily serve as a “front door” for visitors to explore a church before attending in person. However, online attendance has not replaced in-person worship.
Q: What practical steps can churches take to re-engage dropouts?
✅ A: The majority of “dropouts” don’t see themselves as leaving the church; they simply attend less frequently. Churches can re-engage them through small groups, personal invitations, and outreach events like sports leagues, which naturally create community connections.
Q: How can smaller churches with limited facilities implement sports ministry?
✅ A: Many churches partner with local schools, community centers, or other churches to run Upward Sports programs. The key is having a passionate leader who sees the vision and is willing to take the first step.
Interested in learning more about The Hope Initiative or Invite Your One by Church Answers? Visit www.ChurchAnswers.com
Ready to reach your community through sports?
Learn more about starting an Upward Sports program today! www.Upward.org/Church-leaders
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