Churches in the United States are closing at a rapid pace—more than 4,000 each year. Across every denomination, leaders entrusted with the care of local congregations are increasingly responsible for guiding churches through closure.
At current rates, entire segments of denominations will disappear in the coming decade. Even modest decline means hundreds of congregations closing—often without the care, dignity, or faithful stewardship they deserve.
We believe churches can close well.
The articles in this section are written for denominational leaders and overseers facing these realities. Our hope is to offer clarity, compassion, and practical guidance for a difficult but sacred responsibility.
If we can help, we would be honored to walk with you. Email us with your questions or schedule a complimentary consultation.
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All Churches Should Not Be Revitalized
At present, the default solution for the chronically struggling church is almost always the same—send in another leader and attempt yet another revitalization. This narrow focus ignores a hard reality: once a church reaches a certain point in its decline, only a small percentage ever revitalize. We believe there is a different way, a better way.
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No One Wants to Be Associated with a Dying Church
What do we reward in our denominational cultures? At present, we reward church planting and church revitalization. While this emphasis has produced much good, it has also created an unintended consequence: no one wants to be associated with a dying church.
The recognition, affirmation, and advancement go to the revitalizer, not the one who stays to shepherd a congregation through its final season. For the sake of our pastors and our local churches, this must change.
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