I don’t have an explanation but I do have a comment. As Board President of a local food pantry, I’ve seen the number of families we serve also increase by 70% over the last TWO years. Lots of folks are struggling. I would suggest that funds being spent by churches for construction might be more appropriately used for helping their community members in need. Just a thought.
It's an interesting statistic. I don't have a complete explanation but I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is building temples at an unprecedented rate. They have announced the construction of over 150 new temples in the past five years, 53 of them in the United States. The cost of these temples is significant. Much more than a typical church. Not the whole story but it could be part of it.
Church attendance had already been declining before COVID hit, and many churches still haven’t seen their in-person numbers bounce back. On the other hand, online attendance and financial contributions have grown. The trend now leans toward mega churches—multi-campus ministries where the main message is streamed via video to satellite locations.
Interestingly, a lot of these large churches are also launching accredited colleges offering full 4-year degrees.
In my opinion, members of smaller, more traditional churches tended to give more of their time than their money. But in a mega church, it’s easier to stay anonymous. People often feel guilty for not serving, so they give financially instead.
Smaller churches in the 300–500 member range often struggle to grow beyond that because the cost of expanding per member becomes too high to sustain. Without the resources of the mega churches the smaller churches member migrate to the the non-denominational mega churches.
I would guess it relates to the separation of the 3 of the main protestant sects in the last 5 years, (Methodist, Presbyterian, and Episcopal), where many congregations split up and the departing group of perishers have had to build or renovate a new church home.
The NYT (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/26/us/christianity-us-religious-study-pew.html) spoke to a national stablization, after years of decrease, in those regularly attending religious services, likely somewhat related to MAGA culture. I figure after long decline, religious instutions have optimistically taken opportunity for much needed refurbishment.
The new church buildings I see in my town are non-denominational community churches being put up in the ever-expanding 'burbs. My take is people want community with like-minded individuals (bubble) but they also want it convenient so are funding these churches to achieve that.
I don’t have an explanation but I do have a comment. As Board President of a local food pantry, I’ve seen the number of families we serve also increase by 70% over the last TWO years. Lots of folks are struggling. I would suggest that funds being spent by churches for construction might be more appropriately used for helping their community members in need. Just a thought.
It's an interesting statistic. I don't have a complete explanation but I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is building temples at an unprecedented rate. They have announced the construction of over 150 new temples in the past five years, 53 of them in the United States. The cost of these temples is significant. Much more than a typical church. Not the whole story but it could be part of it.
Church attendance had already been declining before COVID hit, and many churches still haven’t seen their in-person numbers bounce back. On the other hand, online attendance and financial contributions have grown. The trend now leans toward mega churches—multi-campus ministries where the main message is streamed via video to satellite locations.
Interestingly, a lot of these large churches are also launching accredited colleges offering full 4-year degrees.
In my opinion, members of smaller, more traditional churches tended to give more of their time than their money. But in a mega church, it’s easier to stay anonymous. People often feel guilty for not serving, so they give financially instead.
Smaller churches in the 300–500 member range often struggle to grow beyond that because the cost of expanding per member becomes too high to sustain. Without the resources of the mega churches the smaller churches member migrate to the the non-denominational mega churches.
He is Risen
I would guess it relates to the separation of the 3 of the main protestant sects in the last 5 years, (Methodist, Presbyterian, and Episcopal), where many congregations split up and the departing group of perishers have had to build or renovate a new church home.
The NYT (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/26/us/christianity-us-religious-study-pew.html) spoke to a national stablization, after years of decrease, in those regularly attending religious services, likely somewhat related to MAGA culture. I figure after long decline, religious instutions have optimistically taken opportunity for much needed refurbishment.
The new church buildings I see in my town are non-denominational community churches being put up in the ever-expanding 'burbs. My take is people want community with like-minded individuals (bubble) but they also want it convenient so are funding these churches to achieve that.