TESTING THE FAITH: CHRISTIAN CHURCHES RUNNING ON EMPTY?

Research indicates number of Americans who don't attend services nearly doubling

May 6, 2004

© 2004 WorldNetDaily.com

Despite a 15 percent rise in the U.S. population, a new survey shows the number of Americans who don’t go to church has nearly doubled in the past 13 years, rising from 39 million to 75 million.

The report by the Barna Group, a California-based consulting firm following trends related to faith, culture, and leadership in the country, says the percentage of adults that is "unchurched" has risen from 21 percent in 1991 to 34 percent today.

The group defines "unchurched" as not having attended a Christian church service—other than for holiday services like Christmas or Easter, or for special events such as a wedding or funeral—at any time in the past six months.

[Full demographic and theological findings summarized as in original.]

END