Virginia churches are in trouble
Virginia United Methodist Foundation offers ways churches in the Commonwealth can stop struggling and keep their doors open. Suggestions include honoring firefighters and other first responders and getting to know those in the community.
Cady E. from Botetourt County says this focuses on the wrong issue. She says the church is grown by leading more people to Christ and not using secular marketing strategies.Strategies may not be long-term
Strategies may not be long term
She adds that communities today are now made up of people who don’t know each other and don’t associate with neighbors. Minister Sean M. from Southwest Virginia says many struggling churches may benefit from merging.
Linda J. from SWVA says merging would combine resources and help for a while, but if young people don’t replace those getting older and passing away, church membership will not increase.