Experts warn the closures could leave deep gaps in rural communities, where churches often serve as centers for food aid, child care, and disaster relief
Reports and church consultants note that a record 15,000 US churches could shut down this year, far more than the thousands that are expected to open.
Experts warn the closures could leave deep gaps in rural communities, where churches often serve as centers for food aid, child care, and disaster relief.
Pew data shows that traditional churches are struggling as 29% of Americans now identify as religiously unaffiliated, while Christian affiliation has dropped to 62% from 78% in 2007.
The decline mainly affects Methodist, Presbyterian, and Lutheran congregations, with the National Council of Churches estimating 100,000 closures in the coming years.
Meanwhile, non-denominational megachurches are expanding influence through charismatic leaders and social media, though experts say their growth may falter if younger Americans resist religion’s growing presence in public life.