This is great news.
Research indicates that more Evangelicals in the United States are returning to in-person church attendance post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. A survey conducted by Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research, involving 819 Evangelical Protestants who attend church services at least occasionally in-person, reveals notable shifts in churchgoing habits.
Before the pandemic, only 5% of Evangelicals checked out new churches digitally before attending in person. This figure has since increased significantly to 15%, reflecting a growing trend towards digital engagement as a precursor to physical attendance. However, the study highlights that a substantial majority of Evangelicals under 35 (78%) initially found their church through in-person attendance at worship services, with only 4% first engaging via online services.
Ron Sellers, president of Grey Matter Research, notes that many less committed churchgoers dropped out entirely during the pandemic and have not returned. He emphasizes the significant role of personal invitations in church attendance, which remains the primary channel for first-time visitors, consistent across age groups.
The survey also reveals age-related differences in church discovery methods. Younger Evangelicals, aged under 35, predominantly find their current church through personal invites (71%), compared to 51% among those aged 55 and older. This trend declines slightly among the 35-44 age group (62%) and the 45-54 age group (59%).
Overall, 54% of Evangelicals attend in-person church services weekly, and 65% attend at least once a month. Additionally, 39% engage in digital church services weekly, with another 15% participating between one to three times per month.
Mark Dreistadt, president and CEO of Infinity Concepts, underscores the importance of data-driven insights in understanding the evolving landscape of the American Church. He emphasizes the tripling of digital-first engagements post-pandemic and advises church leaders to base their decisions on empirical data and strategic planning to effectively reach their congregations.
In summary, while digital engagement has seen significant growth, traditional in-person attendance and personal invitations continue to play pivotal roles in Evangelical churchgoing habits, underscoring the complex interplay between physical and digital church communities in the post-pandemic era.