Most Americans say that there is value in attending church while at the same time saying they believe the church is dying.

The survey from Lifeway Research showed that nearly 9 in 10 Americans say attendance at church is acceptable and almost two-thirds think it’s admirable.  Even non-religious people said by an 80% rating that church attendance was acceptable and 43% called it admirable.

However, most of those believe the church is declining in attendance and influence.

“Americans have a much more optimistic view of the people and practice of attending church than they do of the health of the church,” said Scott McConnell vice president of LifeWay Research. “Church attendance is much like regular exercise and driving the speed limit. People do not live out everything they admire.”

The survey found that the biggest groups who consider church attendance unusual or not important were those of younger ages.  The survey says that those attending church are now more likely to do it out of choice rather than feeling pressure to attend by society.

“The longevity of the Christian church proves it is not a fad,” said McConnell. “Some Americans feel cultural expectations to attend church, but our recent research shows that those who actually do attend hold more closely to the teachings of Jesus Christ.”