5 Current Challenges Facing U.S. Churches

article

LifeWay Christian Resources, TN, September 26, 2023

Description

Lifeway has conducted a national research study to identify and determine the top five reoccurring challenges that churches across the United States are facing related to relevancy and growth. This article presents the five challenges that churches need to overcome and statistical support for the findings.

Features

Statistical Information on Church Growth
Discussion Questions
Resources for Challenges to Growth

Recommended Audience

Church Pastor; Church Leadership; Education Directors; Church Board; Church Leadership

Cost

Free

Practical Applications

Read this article to identify and discuss the top reoccurring challenges to congregations.
Learn resources that can help address the current challenges that most congregations are facing.
Share statistical information from this article to strengthen, affirm, and confirm the direction of strategic growth plans for congregations.

Updated: January 08, 2025

About the Contributor

Dr. Terrance A. Bridges II

Terrance Bridges is the director of the Center’s Northwest office in Crown Point and serves congregations in the Northwest portion of the state. He is licensed with subsequent ordination from Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith. An ordained elder, Terrance combines his parish ministry with adjunct professor work for Grace College, New Horizons Christian University, and guest lecturing at colleges and universities. His consulting practice includes work in the areas of program development, evaluation, congregational strategic planning and intergenerational ministry.

Terrance has a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University in Upland, a master’s from Ball State University, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies and Doctoral Studies from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is working on his culminating doctoral project in education at Northcentral University in Prescott, Arizona. He has served in ministry at Eastern Star Church, Indianapolis, and Union Baptist Church in Muncie. He continues his ministry service at Mt. Zion Apostolic Church, Indianapolis, through the ministerial alliance, leadership council, preaching and teaching ministries.