If we take the time to look around, it is obvious that the attendance in many churches is lower today than it was a year ago. This downward trajectory is not associated with just one church; it is unfortunately a part of a growing trend in all churches across America.
We have all felt the impact of rising prices, and churches are no different. In many congregations, the financial challenges are severe. Expenses are going up, but offerings are going down.
When the COVID-19 panic hit, many faithful church members stayed home, planning for that to be only for a season. Sadly, many of them have never returned. That—coupled with shifting trends in many people’s attitude about organized religion—is another contributing factor to the current weakened state of church growth.
The statistics for 2024 are not complete, but reasonable estimates indicate that somewhere between 4,000 and 10,000 churches closed their doors permanently during the year. Going back to 2019, statistics about Protestant churches indicated approximately 4,500 closures that year. It is common for churches to close or to merge because church attendance in America is in trouble.
America needs churches! America needs you to keep your church strong!
At the Christian Law Association, it is our privilege to fight to protect the religious liberties of Bible-preaching churches. At the same time, we understand that all the well-intentioned efforts of our legal missionaries cannot replace dedicated pastors and church members who have a heart to keep the New Testament church alive in this nation.
This is the time to support your local church. This is the time to be involved, to contribute, to participate in outreach. The message of the Gospel makes an eternal difference. May the Lord help us rededicate ourselves to support the church which He bought with the precious blood of Christ.