| SIC Codes: | 8661 |
| NAICS Codes: | 813110 |
Religious organizations in the US and Canada include more than 335,000 establishments with about 145 million members, according to the Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches and the Hartford Institute. Large churches include Catholic, Southern Baptist, United Methodist, and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Sizes of individual congregations vary greatly.
Demand is driven by consumers' desire for spiritual growth, guidance, inspiration, and by demographics -- older Americans are more likely to attend church than younger ones. 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.
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.
Buy Now