2025 Annual Report

Congregational leadership has never been easy. Over the past ten years, however, the congregational landscape has been not only complex, but also very confusing. Narratives of decline are punctuated by stories of creativity and hope. It can be difficult to find our bearings in a landscape that seems to change by the moment.

At the time of this writing, however, we have interesting national news about congregations. The Hartford Institute for Religion Research has just released the most recent report from their “Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations” study, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc:

For the first time in 25 years, median in-person worship attendance at U.S. congregations has increased, according to new research…Across multiple indicators, the data shows a meaningful, if uneven, rebound. Median weekly attendance rose for the first time in 25 years since the Faith Communities Today project began tracking the figure to 70 and surpassed the pre-pandemic level of 65. Six in ten congregations (58%) report having stronger vitality and strength compared to before the pandemic. Congregational income climbed to a median of $205,000, outpacing inflation. Volunteer engagement has returned to pre-pandemic levels, programming has largely been restored, optimism is up, and clergy are reporting improved well-being across physical, mental, spiritual, relational and financial dimensions.

This narrative of growth is no more comprehensive than the narrative of decline. There will always be congregations who feel as if they are aligned with national trends, and congregations who do not recognize themselves in the data. However, this national report is one indicator that congregations, far from being in their death throes, may be entering a new chapter of relevance and impact.

In 2025, the Center for Congregations continued its work to strengthen Indiana congregations by helping them connect to the best resources to address their challenges and opportunities, and sharing our deep learning with Indiana congregations nationally. Over 2,700 congregational leaders attended education events offered by the Center, and over $6.67 million was distributed to Indiana congregations. Our resource consultants had rich conversations with congregational leaders, connecting them to resources in the Congregational Resource Guide and asking questions to support their own discernment and vision for their congregations. And many congregations participated in the ongoing Mental Health Initiative, working with grant funding to address mental health issues in their local settings, and sharing their learning with cohorts of peers.

At a cultural moment that is increasingly characterized by loneliness, disconnection, and despair, local congregations are uniquely equipped to offer gifts of community, connection, and hope. Our Indiana congregations are taking this call seriously, and it is our privilege at the Center for Congregations to champion and support their significant ministries.