We have started fewer congregations in the past decade than other religious groups as a whole. The FACT survey has also provided a picture of the religious backgrounds of our members. Churches of Christ have significantly more members who have lifelong connections with our fellowship than many other groups. As we have examined what the study reveals about growth in our congregations, we are both challenged and affirmed. Most of our congregations are growing or stable over the past five years.
Growth is stronger in older congregations than in newer congregations.
Growth is strongest in small towns and mid-sized cities, and weakest in rural areas and major metropolitan areas. The FACT study reinforces the conservative nature of our fellowship, particularly with regard to worship activities and change. Worship change is greatest in larger congregations, least in smallest churches. While this study revealed a tendency of larger, urban and suburban churches to engage in more diverse worship. Historically, music in Churches of Christ is a cappella, and use of instruments has been rejected by our congregations.