Church Attendance Rises for First Time in Two Decades, New Report Finds
A new report from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research shows church attendance in the United States has increased for the first time in roughly 20 years. Volunteering is also up, and clergy report a renewed sense of optimism. The findings mark a notable shift after years of steady decline.
A new report from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research shows church attendance in the United States has increased for the first time in about 20 years.
The study, released in late April 2026, found that more people are showing up to services in person. Volunteering rates have also climbed, and pastors and other clergy report feeling more hopeful about the future of their congregations.
The findings come after a long stretch of declining attendance that accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Black Protestant churches saw some of the steepest drops, with monthly attendance falling from 61% to 46% between 2019 and 2023, according to Pew Research Center data.
Glenn McMillan, director of music ministry at Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn, said he has noticed more people returning to in-person worship in recent months. "I'm seeing more people showing up," he said.
The Hartford Institute report does not break down attendance by denomination, but researchers say the uptick appears across multiple faith traditions.
Clergy interviewed for the report cited several factors behind the shift, including a desire for community after years of social isolation and a renewed interest in spiritual practice among younger adults.
The report also noted that churches that maintained strong online presences during the pandemic have had an easier time drawing people back in person, as digital engagement kept congregants connected.
Pope Leo XIV met with Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally at the Vatican in late April, vowing to continue working toward Christian unity. The meeting, the first between a sitting pope and the first female leader of the Church of England, drew attention as a sign of renewed interfaith dialogue at the highest levels.
For many pastors, the attendance data offers a reason for cautious optimism. "We've been through a lot," said one church leader in the Midwest. "Seeing people come back matters."
The Hartford Institute plans to release a full breakdown of the data later this year.
