Summary
Churches across the U.S. are grappling with dwindling attendance and financial instability, forcing many to close or sell properties.
The Diocese of Buffalo has shut down 100 parishes since the 2000s and plans to close 70 more. Nationwide, church membership has dropped from 80% in the 1940s to 45% today.
Some churches repurpose their land to survive, like Atlanta’s First United Methodist Church, which is building affordable housing.
Others, like Calcium Church in New York, make cutbacks to stay open. Leaders warn of the long-term risks of declining community and support for churches.
It’s like they don’t understand the idea of friendship or something. Would I fly to the other side of the world to help a long-term friend in need that I only know from the internet? Maybe not, but just for practical reasons. Would I do everything I could to help them from this side of the world, like maybe send them money or see if I could find someone more locally who could help them? Absolutely. And if their country got invaded and they became a refugee, I would welcome them into my home.