The Diocese of Portsmouth has reported a substantial increase in church attendance for 2025, demonstrating growth that significantly surpasses the national average.
According to recent data, the diocese experienced a 3.3% rise in weekly adult attendance in 2025, compared to a nationwide increase of just 0.7%.
Attendance among children also saw a notable rise of 7.4%, marking it as the third-highest increase across Church of England dioceses.
This comes amidst the Church of England’s fifth consecutive year of nationwide attendance growth.
Preliminary data in the Statistics for Mission revealed a total of 1.023 million regular worshippers last year, representing a 1.4% increase from 2024.
Weekly attendance figures rose by 0.7% to approximately 707,000, while Easter and Advent attendances increased by 7.8% (to 1.03 million) and 2% (to 4.8 million), respectively.
Portsmouth’s growth stands out within this context.
In 2025, Easter attendance in Portsmouth grew by 11% from 2024, and Advent attendance surged by nearly 38%, the highest increase among Church of England dioceses.
The diocese reported growth across diverse church traditions and worship styles, with positive trends seen both in strategically funded churches and those operating independently.
The Fareham deanery was a standout performer, with nearly every parish noting increases in attendance and adult baptisms from 2024 to 2025.
These churches are not currently benefiting from diocesan strategic funding programmes.
Tim Pike, Portsmouth’s strategic projects manager, highlighted that churches fostering opportunities for worship, fellowship, and discipleship are observing encouraging outcomes.
He emphasized the importance of engaging children and youth, as well as providing pathways for individuals exploring Christianity to become active disciples.
The data suggests that extended vacancies in clergy positions remain a significant challenge for church growth.
Pike noted that attendance typically declines during these vacancies, but the diocese’s initiatives to shorten vacancy periods appear to be effective.
In addition to growth from planned missions, there have been reports of individuals attending church services without prior invitations or church backgrounds.
For instance, Will Limburn discovered the Christian faith through Instagram, TikTok, and a Bible app before joining St Faith’s Church in Lee-on-the-Solent.
Similar experiences have been reported at St Mary’s Church in Portchester, where younger men without a church background have started attending regularly over the past two years.
Other churches like St John’s in Locks Heath, Hope Church in Whiteley, and churches in Clanfield and Catherington have baptized individuals who came seeking answers about faith or after receiving free Bibles.
The diocese has launched several initiatives to promote church growth, including establishing new congregations in Ryde, Gosport, and Paulsgrove and developing training programs for lay and ordained leaders, as well as children and youth ministries.
Diocesan leaders noted that growth is occurring even outside these programs, suggesting that broader factors may be contributing to a renewed interest in Christianity.
Rev Andrew Hargreaves, Director of Ministry and Discipleship for the Diocese of Portsmouth, stated that while attendance figures are not the sole indicator of ministry success, the latest statistics are encouraging.
“God is present in the detailed work to analyse where to place resources and how our churches can grow in numbers and in depth of discipleship,” he said.
“And it also appears that he is working in other places, entirely independently of our efforts – by bringing people into church unexpectedly. All we ask is that our churches are ready and willing to react to what God’s Spirit is already doing.”
The full Statistics for Mission report from the Church of England is anticipated later this year.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
