A Portrait of the 2020 Faith Communities Today Study

Abstract

This article offers an overview of the congregational landscape of the United States using the 2020 Faith Communities Today national key-informant survey. Offering representative results from 15,278 congregations in over 80 different denominations and 4 religious traditions, the article describes the characteristics of the average American congregation as well as significant variations within the results. Overall, this picture is one of diminished health and gradual decline. Following this summary picture, several key trends, including size disparities, aging memberships, generational changes, and a more diverse religious context, are discussed along with their implications for future congregational vitality. These trends further illustrate the challenges facing US faith communities presently. The article concludes with a focus on the most prominent characteristics of those faith communities within the survey that are spiritually vital and growing to highlight possible avenues of revitalization for the country's congregations. These results suggest that congregations need a combination of innovative leadership, a clear sense of mission and purpose, passionate and relevant worship, and an engaged membership willing to adapt and change to address an ever-evolving social and religious context.