A recent poll has revealed that the quality of preaching is the major reason driving Christians to search for a new place of worship.
Pew Research Center questioned around 5000 people to find out the most important factors they consider while searching for a new church, with 4 out of 5 people listing sermon quality as the main reason.
"This is what people value in a congregation — a good message, a good homily that resonates with them and gives them guidance," Pew's associate director for religion research Greg Smith observed.
Clergy and lay leaders who make them feel welcome stood at a close 79%, and an appealing style of service at 74%.
When questioned about the reason they look for new house to worship, 34% revealed it to be the relocation of the congregant. Others revealed reasons like discontent by the clergy who led the congregation or not liking the place of worship itself.
48% of those seeking new congregations thought of switching denominations. On the other hand, Catholics and members of historically black churches refrained from taking this decision.
The study also found that 51% attended religious services once or twice a month, while 27% found it difficult to look for a new house to worship.
Furthermore, the research revealed that more Americans are reaching out to God than previously with an increase in 27% attending religious services.
The findings of the research were released last month.
