Religious Organizations Industry Overview

Excerpt from Religious Organizations Report

Religious organizations operate churches, temples, monasteries, and similar places of worship. The largest groups include Christians, Muslims, and Hindus; major Christian churches include Roman Catholic, Southern Baptist, United Methodist, and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Competitive Landscape

Demand is driven by consumers' desire for spiritual growth, guidance, inspiration, and by demographics -- older Americans are most likely to attend church. The profitability of a church depends primarily on the congregation's ability to attract members who can provide financial support. Large congregations have advantages in their ability to offer more programs and activities. Small congregations can compete effectively by maintaining stronger connections with members. About one-quarter of Americans say they attend services once a week or more, according to the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.

Products, Operations & Technology

Religious congregations are similar to charitable organizations, in that they solicit money in various ways to fund charitable and educational programs, often called missions or ministries. These programs most often benefit congregation members or members of the community in which the church is located. Some churches may also have programs aimed at communities elsewhere in the US or overseas.