New Lifeway Research study found most pastors optimistic about the future
American organized religion has been on the decline for decades, but churches aren’t dead yet.
According to the recently released Faith Communities Today study, half of the congregations in the United States have 65 people or fewer, while two-thirds of congregations have fewer than 100.
Food banks, food pantries, meal programs, and similar initiatives run by churches and other faith-based institutions are among the charitable organizations seeking to fill this gap.