"The Inviting Congregation"

As we suspected, 47% of new worshipers first visit a church because someone invited them. But why do new people return to a church after their first visit? The May 2005 issue of Presbyterians Today answers this question with some researched-based* facts.

Three reasons outstrip the others:

1. Quality of the sermon--36%
2. Friendliness of the people--32%
3. Overall worship experience--30%

Mid-level reasons included the style of the pastor or priest (18%), a sense of God's presence (17%), and music during worship (13%).

Still less influential were activities for youth and children (5%), worship space and facilities (4%), stance on particular issues (3%), follow-up contact (2%), and quality of educational program (1%).

The PT article concludes that "It's not just the pastor and it's not just the people--it's their combined efforts that draw people back again."

* The research is based on the 2001 U.S. Congregational Life Survey (www.uscongregations.org).