Percent of Churches by Church Size
Change in Membership 100 or fewer 101-250 more than 250
1984-1994 members members members
loss of more than 20% 54.8% 43.7% 32.6%
loss of 5% to 20% 20.5% 24.2% 27.3%
loss or gain of less than 5% 8.7% 9.9% 12.5%
gain of 5% to 20% 7.5% 10.1% 11.8%
gain of more than 20% 8.6% 12.1% 15.7%
In the ten years prior to 1994, membership change varied systematically by church membership size.
In general, smaller-membership congregations were more likely to experience a net membership
loss, and larger-membership congregations were more likely to experience a net membership gain, as
compared to
other congregations. For example, among small congregations (100 or fewer members), the proportion
that lost at least 5% of their 1984 membership was 75%, compared to 68% in medium size churches
(101-250 members) and 60% in large churches (250 or more members). Conversely, net gains in
membership of at least 5% from 1984 to 1994 were found in 28% of the large congregations, 22% of the
medium congregations, and 16% of the small congregations.
For information about Comparative Statistics, send email to: Ida Smith-Williams
The 1994 report (and those for previous years) can also be ordered from Research
Services by e-mail to: Charlene
Briggs.
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to:
Research Services