by: Rev. Cameron Trimble
A recent national survey led by Convergence board member Dr. Scott Thumma and his team at Hartford International University reveals a remarkable shift in how people are engaging with church.
According to the report, 46% of worshipers regularly attend or view other church services, and 7% even claim more than one church as their “home” congregation. While these “multi-church” worshipers appear active, there’s a catch: they tend to show lower overall commitment—in terms of giving, volunteering, and leadership engagement—compared to those rooted in a single faith community.
This is not just a statistical footnote. It signals a transformational shift in how people relate to spiritual community—and it raises urgent questions for congregational leaders:
- How do we deepen connection and belonging in a time of divided attention?
- What does membership mean when “church” is no longer a singular location or identity?
- How do we adapt our programs, budgets, and staffing models for a new kind of engagement?
At Convergence, we believe this is not a crisis—it’s an invitation to reimagine. We are already working with congregations across the country to do just that.
Through Futures Labs, we help communities surface the hidden assumptions shaping their ministries and expand their imagination about what’s possible. Through strategic planning, we work alongside church leaders to create flexible, purpose-driven strategies that prioritize spiritual vitality, connection, and resilience. Through consulting and coaching, we support the redesign of staffing structures, governance models, digital engagement, and communication strategies to meet this moment with creativity and courage.
If your congregation is seeing shifts in attendance, giving, or engagement patterns, you are not alone. These changes are happening everywhere, and they require thoughtful, faithful response.
Now is the time to ask:
Who are we now? What is ours to do? And how can we faithfully evolve?
Let’s work together to find the answers.
Reach out to Convergence to begin a conversation about how we can support your congregation in navigating this era of transformation.
Reimagining congregations isn’t optional anymore. It’s essential.