A new June 3 Lifeway Research report highlights a growing disparity in U.S. church sizes. Large churches continue to expand while smaller congregations face mounting challenges. This trend reflects broader shifts in attendance, finances, and church leadership dynamics across the nation.
Small Churches Face Financial and Demographic Hurdles
Smaller congregations are grappling with shrinking budgets and aging memberships. Limited staff and resources make it harder for them to compete with larger institutions. Lifeway’s Aaron Earls warns that many small churches risk closure unless they adapt strategically. Despite their financial constraints, smaller churches often exhibit higher levels of weekly attendance and volunteering per capita.
Strengths of Small Churches Highlighted
Small congregations show surprising strengths. According to Earls, they have higher per capita giving and direct more funds toward missions and charity. Members are more likely to be deeply involved in church activities. These characteristics suggest a committed, though aging, base that values community over scale.
National Surveys Confirm Wide Size Disparities
Findings from the 2025 National Survey of Religious Leaders, based on past studies, confirm the size gap. The median U.S. congregation hosts 70 regular participants and has an annual budget of $100,000. In contrast, the average churchgoer attends a congregation with 360 participants and a $450,000 budget. A small number of large churches hold most of the attendees, staff, and financial resources.
Clergy Work Realities Often Misunderstood
Clergy experience also reflects this imbalance. The median clergy person leads a congregation of about 50 adults, far below public assumptions. In contrast, the clergy serving the average churchgoer typically lead a congregation of approximately 245 adults. Though large churches dominate perceptions, most pastors serve in small, less-resourced churches.
Supporters and Detractors Weigh In
Supporters of small churches value their strong community ties and the deeper engagement of their members. They argue these strengths can be leveraged for sustainability. Detractors point to limited resources and aging demographics as existential threats, calling for structural innovation or consolidation.
Source:
‘Large Churches Are Growing Larger, While Small Churches Continue to Shrink’
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