Ep. 109: Beyond church decline: New research points to renewed vitality, future opportunities

Send us Fan MailScott Thumma, Ph.D., has spent decades studying congregations, megachurches, and religious trends in America. In this episode, he discusses what the latest research reveals about the state of congregational life after the pandemic—and why theological education should pay attention. Drawing on the Hartford Institute for Religion Research’s extensive research project called EPIC, Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations, Thumma describes an unexpected shift from post-pandemic uncertainty to renewed stability, increased attendance, stronger giving, and a growing sense of hope among many churches. He argues that congregations have discovered they can change, and that willingness to adapt may prove to be one of the pandemic's most lasting effects. The conversation also explores what seminaries should do with these findings, from preparing leaders for collaboration, technology, and entrepreneurship to rethinking assumptions about ministry in an era of changing attendance patterns and evolving spiritual practices. Rather than predicting an inevitable decline for American religion, Thumma sees new opportunities emerging – provided church leaders and theological schools are willing to innovate. Thumma recently retired as director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research and professor of the sociology of religion at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace.The Hartford Institute for Religion Research has explored religion for more than 40 years and its work continues. It can be found here. The Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations is here. The most recent report from the EPIC project is here. The Faith Communities Today research is here.  You can find more information about Scott Thumma, including his CV and publications, here.