Religious activity outside church increases

(RNS) An annual look at the nation’s religious behavior has found an increase in religious practice beyond the sanctuary, while church and Sunday school attendance has remained relatively stable.

The survey by Barna Research Group found increases in Bible study and small groups – excluding Sunday school and other church classes – over the last decade for all Christian churches.

Forty-four percent of adults reported reading from the Bible during the past week, an increase from 37 percent in 1994. Participation in small groups for Bible study, prayer or spiritual fellowship increased from 12 percent of adults to 20 percent.