The Church Summer Slump: What Every Pastor Should Know

Many pastors feel it every year: “I hate summer attendance!” In this episode, Thom and Sam unpack real-world insights gathered from conversations with pastors across the country about the predictable, and sometimes preventable, summer slump.

• • Expect an average 20% drop in worship attendance during the summer months.
  • Context matters: snowbird churches and college towns often experience larger swings.
  • Year-round school schedules can create short but steep attendance dips.
  • Small groups are a stabilizing force. Keeping them active in summer helps maintain engagement.
  • Intentionality beats inevitability. Churches that maintain or add ministry initiatives often soften the slump.

Resources:

• Upward Sports

• Filament Bible

• Tyndale House Publishers

• Church Growth Services

• Church Answers Awards

• Church Equip

• Wesley Biblical Seminary, Master of Ministry

• Church Answers University

• The Hope Initiative

• Church Answers Platinum Membership

• FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

Episode Sponsors:

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