Most leadership conversations in churches, like many other type of nonprofits, often focus on growth. Bigger attendance. Bigger budgets. Bigger buildings. This episode looks at a different kind of leadership. The kind that knows how to steward something faithfully all the way to its final chapter.

Notes:

1. U.S. Church Attendance Distribution (2023) A typical U.S. church hosts ~120 attendees weekly. However, the vast majority are smaller: Small (<99 attendees): 59% of churches Med-Small (100–499): 35% Medium (500–999): 4% Large (1k–2k): 2% Source: Worship Leader (https://worshipleader.com/leadership/worship-in-the-average-church-in-america/)

2. Giving & Tithing Trends (2023) While 50% of churchgoers self-report giving 10% or more, the breakdown shows varied consistency: More than 10%: 19% Exactly 10%: 31% Inconsistent/Attempting: 22% Regularly less than 10%: 16% Financially hindered: 9% Do not give: 2% Source: Lifeway Research (https://research.lifeway.com/2023/04/25/churchgoers-are-still-tithing-more-comfortable-doing-so-outside-of-church/)

3. Generational Attendance Shift (2025) A "generational reversal" shows younger cohorts attending more frequently than older ones: Gen Z: 23 Sundays per year (avg) Boomers/Elders: Under 17 Sundays per year (avg) Nuance: Data specifically highlights Sunday attendance; survey methods have shifted from phone to online. Source: Christianity Today (https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/09/study-gen-z-leads-church-attendance-average/)