The American Church in Crisis David Olson Christian Church Growth Analysis Data

The American Church in Crisis by David T. Olson presents groundbreaking research on church attendance trends in the U.S., analyzing data from over 200,000 churches. The book challenges common assumptions about church growth, revealing that while the population has increased, church attendance has remained stagnant or declined. Olson highlights the "halo effect", where self-reported church attendance is often inflated compared to actual numbers. He argues that church planting is essential for reversing this trend, as younger churches tend to grow faster than older ones. The book provides statistical insights, charts, and discussion questions, making it a valuable resource for pastors and church leaders seeking to understand and address these challenges.