Methodology Notes
- The survey on which the 2007 estimate is based is the result of a collaboration between Mission Memo and Disciples Today.
- Participation by churches is voluntary. Most churches submit an actual end-of-year membership number compiled from church administrative records.
- Some churches estimate membership, or are only able to provide membership as of the survey response date.
- As of April 28, 2008, data for 545 churches was available. These 545 churches reported a combined membership of 89,131.
- Adding a conservative estimate of the membership of the 17 churches for which we did not receive 2007 data yielded an estimated total membership of 90,130.
Also In This Series:
Total Membership, 1993-2007
 | ||||
Total Membership, 1993-2007
In the late 1980's churches affiliated with the Boston Church of Christ grew rapidly in number and total membership. This revival movement, which came to be known as the International Churches of Christ, then carried out an ambitious, worldwide program of church planting focused mostly on the world's major urban areas.
In the late 1990s growth slowed dramatically, eventually leveling off in 2002. Unprecedented losses occurred in 2003 and 2004. Since then, most of the churches have begun to rebuild, and in many cases, are growing again.
We estimate membership at the end of 2007 was 90,130. This represents a 1.7% increase from 2006, and a 33% decline from peak membership in 2002.
......................................................................
......................................................................
