Joseph Bottum has written a compelling article about the demise of Mainline Protestant churches in the USA (National Review, August 2024). He relates how in 1965 they claimed about 50 percent of the American population but in the last census in 2020 this has fallen to 9 percent. Since then with Covid, this number must have fallen further. Bottum writes that this is one of the largest sociological changes in American history. Seven denominations have deteriorated to a point of near invisibility in national totals: the northern Baptists, the Disciples of Christ, the Congregationalists, the Episcopalians, the Methodists, the Lutherans and the Presbyterians. The two largest groups outside of the old Mainline churches are the Evangelical churches and Roman Catholicism. Looking around my neighborhood I note that the largest churches are the Southern Baptist and the nondenominational. Why are some churches thriving and others declining? Let me share my own observations based upon my experience of over 50 years of ministry.

1. Location. The local Baptist church moved from their cramped downtown historic church and built on a new spacious campus accessible to the growing community. The other downtown churches seem to be tied to their original buildings that are dated. While longtime congregants do not like to give up their beautiful sanctuaries they need to think of how they can reach new people. A church in historic St. Augustine, Florida has solved that dilemma by building an additional campus in a new location. They have not abandoned their beloved building but have added another opportunity to reach others.

2. Amenities. The old churches lack the amenities to serve different groups. Nurseries and toilets need to be modern and accessible. Vestibules need to be spacious and welcoming. Music facilities have to be updated to accommodate contemporary tastes. Lighting and painting should give a joyful vibe and not be gloomy. In one of my churches I had to renovate an unused side chapel with beautiful stained glass windows into a toilet near the entrance as there were none available. Wheelchair accessibility and railings are indispensable.

3. Parking. Plenty of parking is essential. Without parking nearby churches are limiting the size of their congregation. There are churches I would choose to worship in but cannot because of lack of available parking. Look at what restaurants and stores supply.

4. Leadership. Churches that are thriving are led by visionary and confident leaders. They are extraverts who reach out to others in a personal way. They exude love and compassion. They are always thinking of what they can initiate to improve the church. They are prayerful in seeking God’s guidance and encourage prayer in the congregation and in worship. They do not try to do everything themselves but delegate to others what needs to be done. They seek advice from their governing elders and develop candidates for positions of leadership. They are not people pleasers who go along to get along without discernment but learn to say no to diverting requests when necessary. They define their priorities and avoid choosing the urgent over the important. They know they are sinners who make mistakes and sometimes fail but they are quick to confess their sins. They walk in the light of Christ and obey the commandments. They keep their lives free of the love of money and are morally pure so as to bring no disgrace on their ministry.

5. Marketing. The Gospel mission requires reaching out to others. This means that there needs to be adequate communication to acquaint people in the area with the opportunities the church provides. In a time of digital communication there has to be attention to social media, online presence, streaming of services, print advertising, mailings etc.

6. Service. The needs of the population have to be taken into account. The early church grew as the result of Christians feeding the hungry, praying for and taking care of the sick, widows and orphans. Clothes closets, food pantries, and homeless shelters are often ways of serving the needy. Hospital and hospice visitors, healing services, visiting the homebound and retirement communities are ways of showing the love of God.

7. Community. The church needs to foster community by providing fellowship opportunities through small groups, bible studies, meals, and making the worship services a time when people can introduce themselves to others, make connections and attend classes. Loneliness is an epidemic in our society and people are hungry for meaningful healthy relationships.

8. Message. Churches that are thriving are faithful to the biblical Gospel of Christ with its relevant application to the needs of all people. The whole counsel of God in the Scripture has to be interpreted and applied to the world we live in today. People are looking for hope, for meaning and purpose, for comfort and challenge, for strength to persevere, for guidance and wisdom, for encouragement to overcome fear and anxiety. The preachers have to focus on Jesus, the way, the truth and the life to bring him present into our experience. The human condition cries out in despair for salvation, security, assurance, affirmation, and love. With so great a Gospel, why should not churches thrive and the world welcome it? We need the power of the Spirit to enthuse us and motivate us to share the good news of Jesus with others. Revival and renewal will only come through seeking it wholeheartedly.