Faith
Protestant Churches Face Growing Challenges
Faith Facts
- 4,000 Protestant churches closed in 2024 while 3,800 were started, according to Lifeway Research.
- Older congregations are declining most, with new churches more likely to grow.
- Churches closed this year account for nearly 1.4% of the Protestant churches noted in the 2020 U.S. Religion Census.
America is witnessing a shift as more Protestant churches close than open.
That trend affects communities and families across the nation.
This trend highlights the importance of church planting to continue sharing the gospel.
It also strengthens the foundation of faith-based values in American life.
“The future of Protestant churches in America lies in reaching new people with the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.”
“Most growth in the U.S. happens in new communities.”
“Church planting is vital to share the gospel in these new communities as well as communities in which the population is changing or previous churches have closed.”
Standing firm in faith and investing in the next generation offers hope in a time of change.
It inspires us to maintain commitment to Christian principles and community.