Churches & Religious Groups

Churches and religious groups in the US include about 360,000 congregations that have combined annual revenue of about $95 billion. Some 60 percent of Americans say they're members of a congregation, and slightly more than 40 percent say they attend services weekly or almost every week.

In terms of membership, the largest faiths in the US are Catholic (about 23 percent of the population), Baptist (17 percent), Methodist (6 percent), and Lutheran (5 percent). The size of individual congregations varies. The median US congregation has 75 regular, weekly participants. The top 10 percent of US congregations by membership account for about 50 percent of all weekly worshipers.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by consumers' desire for spiritual growth, guidance, inspiration, and by demographics -- older Americans are more likely to attend church than younger ones. The profitability of a church depends primarily on the congregation's ability to attract members who can provide financial support. Large congregations have advantages in their ability to offer more programs and activities. Small congregations can compete effectively by maintaining stronger connections with members.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Religious congregations are similar to charitable organizations, in that they solicit money in various ways to fund charitable and educational programs, often called missions or ministries. These programs most often benefit congregation members or members of the community in which the church is located. Some churches may also have programs aimed at communities elsewhere in ...