Survey: Half of US Churches Will Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

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“According to a Lifeway Research study, 50 percent of US Protestant pastors believe their church should do something special to commemorate the country’s special birthday this year, including 16 percent who strongly agree. Slightly fewer (47%) disagree, and 3 percent aren’t sure.” - CToday

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Most Churchgoers Regularly Confess Sin

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“More than 2 in 5 (44%) confess to God every day, while a quarter (26%) do so a few times a week. Fewer say they ask for forgiveness once a week (13%), a few times a month (8%) or once a month (4%).” - Lifeway

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Church Closures Eclipse Openings in the U.S.

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“In 2024, Lifeway Research estimates 3,800 new Protestant churches were started in the U.S., while 4,000 churches were closed. This is based on analysis of congregational information provided by 35 denominations or faith groups, representing 58% of all Protestant churches.” - Lifeway

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Former Pastors Share Reasons Behind Their Ministry Exit

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“Only around 1% of U.S. Protestant pastors leave the ministry each year, according to the most recent Lifeway Research study. Among pastors from four denominations who step down, 2 in 5 (40%) say it was related to a change in their calling.” - Lifeway

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Lifeway research: churches rarely discipline members

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“Pastors haven’t felt the need to practice church discipline in their congregations frequently, if at all. Most U.S. Protestant pastors (54%) say their churches haven’t formally disciplined a member since they became the pastor, nor was it done previously, as far as they know.” - Baptist Press

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