A Christian Post article trumpets an increase in worship service attendance. But the reality remains:
While the EPIC report described the 2025 numbers as “the first positive gain in median attendance in 25 years,” researchers warned that “it should be interpreted with caution.”
“The current median of 70 remains far below the median in 2000 when the typical congregation drew 137 attenders,” the report explained. “Therefore, this recent gain should be viewed within the much longer historical trajectory of decline.”
The decision to keep churches closed during Covid had almost catastrophic consequences for many of them. It was inevitable that many people would continue to regard church as optional.
An uptick in numbers showing church attendance is up is an encouraging sign.
I’d say : “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”
Fred, it would be interesting to see how many churches nationwide had to shut down because of Covid. Those that were marginal prior to Covid were most likely to be tipped over the edge in all likelihood. This was an attack on the church. Here in North Carolina, Roy Cooper was the demonic villain.
But the churches that acquiesced by remaining shut down longer than required are equally culpable. Horrible decision-making.