Data Reveals Increasing Church Attendence, Engagement

A comprehensive new study reveals that American churches have not only weathered the pandemic storm but are experiencing notable growth and renewed engagement among their congregants.

The research, led by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, as part of the Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations project between September 2024 and January 2025, surveyed more than 24,000 church attenders across 80-plus denominations to examine how congregational life has evolved five years after COVID-19 first disrupted religious gatherings nationwide.

The findings paint a picture of resilience and adaptation.

More than one-fifth of current attenders report increased attendance compared to pre-pandemic levels, while overall engagement remains consistently strong. Perhaps most striking, according to officials involved with the study, is that 38% of surveyed church attenders joined their current congregation within the past five years, representing a significant influx of new members including church switchers, returning believers and first-time participants who bring fresh energy and heightened optimism about their churches’ futures.

While digital worship options have become widely available, in-person attendance remains the preferred choice for three-quarters of churchgoers. However, the pandemic has created new hybrid participation patterns, with 26% of attenders regularly using online worship services or alternating between virtual and physical attendance, the study found. This dual-format approach has proven particularly popular among families and younger adults, suggesting churches have successfully integrated technology without abandoning traditional gathering spaces, they point out.

The study also reveals strengthened spiritual commitment among participants. More than half reported deeper religious faith and spirituality as direct results of their pandemic experiences.

This spiritual renewal has translated into tangible support for congregations: half of all attenders volunteer monthly, more than one-third have increased their financial giving, and electronic donation methods are now used by more than half of respondents.

The research represents the first wave of a five-year collaborative project funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and led by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace.