Continuity and Community: An Analysis of Membership Turnover, Growth and Decline in Three Congregations

Abstract

This article explores congregational growth and decline from the perspective of long-term members, drawing on personal interviews and fieldwork in a mainline, evangelical and Orthodox congregation. In these, we find distinctive patterns of stability, growth and decline, largely related to congregational demographics and leadership change consistent with findings from previous research. Yet when we shift the perspective from that of the pulpit (number of members) to the view from the pew (continuity of community) a different picture emerges—one focused on the salience of relationships within congregations. This approach challenges the methodological focus on net growth and decline as a way of assessing congregational stability and change. We argue that regardless of whether congregations are growing or shrinking, the experience of worship is shaped by continuity of community—and that continuity, more than size, creates an enduring and sense of connection helps explain why people choose not to circulate, but rather stay.