Demographic shifts and the decline of long-established congregations are increasing the need for new churches — and for efforts to revive those that are struggling.
The North American Mission Board reported that 713 churches closed in 2024, a number that, while significant, is lower than the roughly 1,200 that shut down just a few years earlier. Leaders are hopeful a growing renewal movement will continue to gain traction, including in Kentucky.
NAMB defines a church in decline as one that has seen attendance drop by 10% over five consecutive years. Many churches are stagnant and more than 70% plateaued or are declining in membership.
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For example, it is estimated that about 40% of Kentucky Baptist churches are either in active decline or nearing closure, according to Brian Horton, church replanting strategist with the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
Church replants — when a struggling congregation partners with another church for renewal — have already seen success across Kentucky, Horton noted, though more churches need to consider the model.
The Kentucky Baptist Convention, Horton said, is working alongside local associations and churches to help breathe new life into congregations on the brink.
“It’s important for people to understand what it is and that it’s not a death sentence,” he said, “It is hopeful.”
A replant typically occurs when a church is close to shutting its doors, but remaining members are committed to doing whatever it takes to preserve it. That often includes forming a partnership with another church.
“We don’t want them to just survive, we want them to thrive again,” Horton said. “Don’t do this just to keep the doors open. There are lost people to reach in this community who otherwise might not be reached.”
Path to renewed life
For congregations that fear they may be nearing the end, Horton said replanting can offer a path to renewed life.
“It’s a multi-faceted process we want to communicate to Kentucky Baptists,” he said. “It’s not a hostile takeover from another church. Joyful cooperation needs to happen.”
Horton emphasized the importance of “legacy members” — those who carry decades of experience and institutional memory — in the replanting process.
“They know the full story of the church,” he said. “They know the mistakes that have been made along the way that will help going forward. It’s not another church kicking these people out. They are seeds.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Mark Maynard and originally published by Kentucky Today.
