New Facts on Episcopal Church Growth and Decline
examines the dynamics of growth and decline in Episcopal congregations.
According to C. Kirk Hadaway, Ph.D., Officer for Congregational
Research for the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, the findings
are based on 2013 Parochial Report data and the 2014 Survey of Episcopal
Congregations, "which was completed by 762 congregations of an initial
sample of 1,100. Churches were weighted by size, as measured in 2009,
and represent the size distribution of all Episcopal churches in the
US," he said.
With growth measured by change in Average Sunday Attendance (ASA) from 2009 to 2013, New Facts on Episcopal Church Growth and Decline
examines factors associated with growth and decline, such as what makes
a congregation thrive or experience loss. Among the many sources of
congregational growth and decline, Hadaway said, are the location and
demographics of a congregation; the congregation's identity; the
congregation's worship style and number of services; the congregation's
programs and activities; and the leadership of the congregation.
Hadaway pointed out New Facts on Episcopal Church Growth and Decline is an update to the 2005 FACTs report, located here. Other information for use by congregations and dioceses is available on the Research and Statistics page here.
For more information contact Christine Kandic, Congregational Research
Assistant for the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, at ckandic@episcopalchurch.org.
