About half of regular church attenders have only attended one church as an adult, Lifeway Research reported in a new survey. Among those who go twice a month or more, 47% have belonged to one church, while one-third have attended two or three churches, and less than one-fourth have attended four or more. In most cases (60%), the reason for changing churches was relocation to a new town.
Personal invitation from a friend or family member and word of mouth were the most common means of introduction to their new church for about 3-in-10 newcomers. Far lower on the list was exposure through the church website or social media at 2-in-10 or less.
About half of regular church attenders have only attended one church as an adult, Lifeway
“A church’s worship service is still the front door of the typical church, but a third of first-time visitors will use a different door today,” Lifeway Research’s Scott McConnell said. “It is important that every ministry within a church realizes they may have the first contact with someone who needs a church.”
Newcomers have high expectations when they arrive, with about 85% saying preaching, doctrine, and authenticity are “important” or “very important” to them.
Other important factors are:
- Community care and unity among members at 82% each
- Worship style 80%
- Changed lives 78%
- Potential relationships 76%
- Biblical learning opportunities 74%
- Music 68%.
Lifeway Research surveyed 1,001 Protestant church goers in the summer of 2023.