Posted on May 17, 2023
The faithful see both crisis and opportunity as churches close across the country
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https://www.npr.org/2023/05/17/ [login to see] /church-closings-religious-affiliation
When Pastor Douglas Theobald steps to the pulpit at Struthers United Methodist Church this Sunday, it will likely be the last religious service in its 112-year history.
Over the years, Struthers UMC has weathered the boom and bust cycles of the Youngstown, Ohio, suburb. In the 1960s, when the steel industry was at its height, it was common to see as many as 250 people in the pews on any given Sunday. But Theobald, who started preaching there in 2009, has presided over a congregation in slow decline. Today, services attract only a few dozen, mostly older, congregants.
When Pastor Douglas Theobald steps to the pulpit at Struthers United Methodist Church this Sunday, it will likely be the last religious service in its 112-year history.
Over the years, Struthers UMC has weathered the boom and bust cycles of the Youngstown, Ohio, suburb. In the 1960s, when the steel industry was at its height, it was common to see as many as 250 people in the pews on any given Sunday. But Theobald, who started preaching there in 2009, has presided over a congregation in slow decline. Today, services attract only a few dozen, mostly older, congregants.
The faithful see both crisis and opportunity as churches close across the country
Posted from npr.org
Religion
Faith
Christianity
LGBTQ+
Posted 1 y ago
Responses: 2
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."The ability to adapt to the changing demographics and needs in a community is key to survival in the current, increasingly challenging environment for churches, says Payne, the transitional minister from Bartlesville.
She has found a vibrant congregation to lead in the town of Enid, Okla., and was thrilled to find out that the church is still supporting outreach and hunger ministries.
"I just think it's really important that the congregations make sure that their ministry is connected to the community ... and [adapts] as that community changes," she says.
"When you find you're disconnected from your community, that's never a good thing."
..."The ability to adapt to the changing demographics and needs in a community is key to survival in the current, increasingly challenging environment for churches, says Payne, the transitional minister from Bartlesville.
She has found a vibrant congregation to lead in the town of Enid, Okla., and was thrilled to find out that the church is still supporting outreach and hunger ministries.
"I just think it's really important that the congregations make sure that their ministry is connected to the community ... and [adapts] as that community changes," she says.
"When you find you're disconnected from your community, that's never a good thing."
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel Here we have a Church on the Street. It is well attended by homeless and housed alike coming together in fellowship. When 2 or more are gathered…
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