Arkansas Baptist churches recorded gains in baptisms, worship attendance, small group participation and Vacation Bible School enrollment in 2025, reflecting continued momentum in churches across the state. 

While overall church membership declined 1.64% from 389,083 in 2024 to 382,689 in 2025, Annual Church Profile data indicated Arkansas Baptist churches experienced growth across several key ministry areas for the fifth consecutive year. 

Average in-person weekly worship attendance increased 5.6%, rising from 120,532 in 2024 to 127,257 in 2025. Participation in small group Bible study and Sunday School also continued to grow, increasing from 76,257 to 79,624. 

Vacation Bible School enrollment saw a slight increase as well, growing from 56,410 to 56,540. 

Arkansas Baptist churches also reported 8,541 baptisms in 2025, up slightly from 8,525 the previous year and continuing a five-year trend of growth in baptisms statewide. 

Pastor + Church Health Team Leader Dr. Marcus Brown said the numbers point to encouraging signs of spiritual health across Arkansas Baptist churches. 

“Arkansas Baptists should be very encouraged by how we see the Lord working in our state,” Brown said. “I know of many churches that are enjoying a season of health and numerical growth, and I know of many other churches that are faithfully serving and sharing the Lord and trusting that He is at work.” 

Executive Director Dr. Mark Dance said the most meaningful numbers are the ones connected to eternal impact. 

“The stats that will matter 1,000 years from now are the ones that quicken my pulse,” Dance said. “Our Arkansas Baptists staff enjoys fanning the flames of revival that are breaking out on church and school campuses across the Natural State where Jesus is being exalted.” 

Associate Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer Patrick Henry said the trends also reflect faithful stewardship and generosity among Arkansas Baptists. Undesignated receipts in 2025 totaled $339,256,223, up 5.2% from $322,422,175 in 2024.  

“It’s encouraging to see not only increases in engagement and baptisms but also continued generosity toward Arkansas missions and ministry efforts,” Henry said. “We believe God is doing something special in our state.” 

These statistics are gathered from the Annual Church Profile filled out by Arkansas Baptist churches annually. Seventy percent of churches submitted an ACP in 2025. 

Nationally, Southern Baptists also reported increases in worship attendance, baptisms and small group participation in 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth in several categories across the SBC, even as overall membership continued to decline. The SBC reported more than 250,000 baptisms nationwide in 2025, alongside increases in weekly worship attendance and small group participation. 

The work of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention is made possible through the generous giving of Arkansas Baptists through the Cooperative Program and the Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering.