When a Church is Dying: What Comes Next?

Churches aren’t meant to last forever. That might be hard to hear, but it’s true. While the Church as the body of Christ endures, individual congregations have life cycles. Some thrive for centuries, but many others—especially in today’s shifting culture—face the reality of decline.

That’s why my recent conversation with Michelle Van Loon on The Last Service Podcast was so important. Michelle has lived through a church closure. She’s seen firsthand what happens when a congregation, once full of life, reaches the end of its road. And she’s written about it powerfully in her Plough article, "A Good Death for Dying Churches".

The Story of Grace Bible Fellowship

Michelle’s story of Grace Bible Fellowship hit home for me. It was a small, independent church in Wisconsin that started with energy and vision but, over time, lost its way. The church’s identity was rooted in a reaction—"we’re not like that other church"—instead of a clear, sustainable mission. As attendance dwindled and leadership conflicts grew, the congregation found itself struggling to survive.

I think many churches today can relate. Whether it’s due to cultural shifts, leadership struggles, or just the natural life cycle of an institution, there comes a moment when a church has to ask: Are we here to make disciples, or are we just trying to keep the lights on?

Discipleship, Not Just Survival

That’s one of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with Michelle: when a church is dying, survival shouldn’t be the goal—discipleship should.

Churches that approach their closure with intentionality and care can shepherd their members through the process. They can acknowledge grief, celebrate the good that was done, and equip people for what comes next. But too often, churches either cling to survival at all costs or shut their doors suddenly, leaving members hurt and disoriented.

Michelle’s words challenged me: How do we prepare people for an ending? How do we honor the past while pointing them forward?

What Comes Next?

If you’re in a church that’s facing decline, you’re not alone. It’s happening across the country. But there’s a way to do this well—to lead with faith instead of fear, with care instead of chaos.

That’s why I encourage you to read Michelle’s article, "A Good Death for Dying Churches", and think deeply about what it means to end well.

And if you haven’t already, listen to my conversation with Michelle on The Last Service Podcast. We talk about all of this—the pain of closure, the importance of leadership, and why discipleship has to be at the center of everything.

The church is more than a building. More than an institution. And even when a congregation comes to an end, the mission of God moves forward.

Let’s talk about it. Let’s learn to do this well.

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