If a year ago you would have told Pastor Dennis D’Augostine that 2025 was going to be one of his best years in ministry, he wouldn’t have believed you.
Church attendance numbers were down and it seemed like young people had no interest in attending.
But now, looking back on 2025, D’Augostine, pastor of Steamtown Church in Scranton, says people are flocking to the church in record numbers and its social media platforms are thriving.
“This is the best year I’ve ever had in 22 years of ministry,” he said.
Pastor Jack Munley and his wife address Rescue and Restore Church in December of 2025. The Olyphant Church has grown in numbers and its commitment to the community, Munley said. (SUBMITTED)
Mary, Mother of God, Scranton. (SUBMITTED)
The church has also benefited from its online presence, including Facebook.
For example, several weeks ago during a snowstorm, not only were the pews full, but there were also 300 people watching a livestream of the service, D’Augostine said.
Livestreaming and social media are great ways to get the word out. Often those who watch the service online eventually come out to a service, he said.
D’Augostine believes the increase in attendance has it roots in people seeking acceptance, truth and real peace.
D’Augostine’s experience is not unique. Churches across the area are seeing an uptick in attendance. And not just for Sunday services, but throughout the week.
Pastor Jack Munley, of Rescue and Restore Church of Olyphant, said church membership is up and the church is increasingly involved in community activities.
For example, the church recently opened up its parking lot and basement to the Olyphant Kris Kringle Market.
Residents not only got to shop, but also to stop for a hot chocolate and a bite to eat before heading out to Santa’s arrival at the Queen City train station and the parade that followed.
But Munley and his church congregants also supported the community through difficult times this year.
When 12-year-old Bentley Zippittelli was shot just blocks away from the church earlier this year, church members immediately reached out to his family, offering to pray and help in any way that was needed.
When Zippittelli was released from the hospital, the church held a fundraiser, which served not only to raise money but to bring the community together in a show of support for the young man and his family.
Munley’s church also benefits from social media. He takes to Facebook most weekdays to share a daily devotion.
The church livestreams its Sunday services on Facebook and YouTube.
“The following on Facebook is growing every day; we’re close to 3,000 followers on that,” he said. “We do get a lot of requests through Messenger.”
Munley is not only committed to the church’s current social media activity, but is also open to expanding it.
“I’m considering doing a podcast during 2026,” he said.
Rebounding after the pandemic
Pastor Elliott Cooke of the Jackson Street Baptist Church came to the Scranton church in 2017, and soon attendance tripled.
But then the COVID pandemic happened and in-person attendance dwindled.
Since that time attendance numbers are up, but they have not completely rebounded, he said.
During the pandemic, Cooke began livestreaming on Facebook and has continued to do so.
And, although he strongly believes that in-person church attendance is vital, he also sees the benefits of livestreaming the service, with videos available throughout the week.
That way, if someone had to work on a Sunday morning, they can still hear the message.
Even those attending in person can reinforce the message by listening to it again during the week, he said.
In addition to the church’s main Facebook page, there are also private Facebook pages for prayer requests, the youth group and newcomers to the church.
The church also Zooms its Wednesday night prayer meeting, making it possible for people to participate in the service, even if there’s bad weather or they feel it’s too late to go out.
Growing in tradition
Mary, Mother of God parish on William Street in Scranton also has a vibrant presence on Facebook, posting not only livestream videos but also information about the church and photos of activities.
The Rev. Cyril D. Edwards said the church has seen a definite rebound since the pandemic, consistent with a nationwide trend.
“National statistics, and I speak from the Catholic perspective, show that there are a number of people who are finding meaningful direction in religious life,” he said. “We live in difficult times and people are finding stability and direction. They’ve determined they need something that brings them peace.”
The church continues to maintain robust attendance, with the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass service averaging about 400 to 500 people.
Edwards said the church serves people of all ages, including families.
One statistic that he believes is especially telling is the number of baptisms per year.
“Last year we had 25 baptisms; this year we’ll have 40,” he said. “That tells you something.”
Younger people, greater growth in attendance
Statistics about church attendance nationwide are mixed but consistently show an increase in church attendance among millennials and members of Gen Z.
For example, 39% of millennials report attending church on a weekly basis, according to the Barna Group’s most recent State of the Church report, as opposed to about 21% of Americans overall who attend church regularly.
For the first time in decades, younger adults — both Gen Z and millennials — are now the most regular churchgoers, outpacing older generations who once formed the backbone of church attendance, the report concluded.