Fewer than half the congregations reported programs on self-development, sports, and physical fitness. Denominations show distinctive patterns that reflect their religious and social heritage. Historically Black churches are more likely to emphasize prayer groups and opportunities for community service. Liberal and Moderate Protestant more distinctively support opportunities for community services and the arts. Evangelical Protestants are high in support of prayer groups.
Congregations reporting high vitality sponsor more programs for spiritual nurture.
But this kind of energy is not limited to spiritual nurture. These same congregations are more likely to support all sorts of artistic and even athletic activities. The breadth of programs in which a congregation is involved is directly related to congregational wealth and resources, human and material. Center city churches rival the new suburban congregations in the breadth of programs they offer, while a narrower range of programs are offered by congregations in rural and town settings. Congregations with the broadest offerings of programs report greater vitality among their members.