“The Past, Present, and Future of American Christianity”

February 23, 2026.

Dr. Ryan Burge

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“The Past, Present, and Future of American Christianity” offers a wide- angle look at how faith has shaped—and been reshaped by—the American experience. Across this day of lectures, Ryan Burge traces the long arc of Christian influence in the United States, examines the seismic cultural and demographic shifts transforming churches right now, and highlights the emerging trends that will define the next several decades. Blending historical context with fresh data and clear-eyed analysis, this series gives attendees a grounded, evidence-based understanding of where American Christianity has been—and where it’s headed. Session titles include: The American Religious Landscape over the Last Fifty Years, Your Church is Probably Not Growing – And That’s Okay and What We Can Learn from the Fastest Growing Churches in America.

Location: Windsor Road Christian Church
Time: 9:00 AM—3:00 PM
Cost: $40 per person lunch included

Dr. Ryan Burge is a Professor of Practice at the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis and a leading voice on the intersection of faith and public life. A political scientist and renowned data analyst, his research provides critical insights into the impact of religion on American society, earning him features in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, POLITICO, and on 60 Minutes. He also authors the widely read “Graphs about Religion” newsletter, where he translates complex data for tens of thousands of subscribers, making him a distinguished guide through the country’s changing religious landscape.

Dr. Burge is the author of five significant books, including The Nones, The Great Dechurching, and The American Religious Landscape, which explore seismic shifts in church attendance and religious identity. Combining his academic expertise with over twenty years of experience as a pastor in the American Baptist Church, he brings a rare, dual perspective to the study of religious demography and polarization. His work, including his book The Vanishing Church (2026), offers essential analysis for understanding the challenges facing faith communities and democracy today.