Institutionally, many congregations face aging memberships, dwindling volunteers, deferred maintenance, and financial strain. In addition, there is a strong wave of retiring pastors and staff, with fewer people coming into the ministry. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated these trends, closing some doors temporarily—and others permanently. Sociologists, theologians, and church leaders continue to study this decline, which is steepest among mainline Protestant denominations, even as some evangelical and non-denominational churches continue to grow.

Regardless of the circumstances of decline, God is still at work in His people. God’s church is not defeated, and may the stories in this book inspire His people to see possibilities and experience what God is up to—here and now.