United Methodist churches face widespread closures across the U.S

The United Methodist Church is facing a significant period of transition as dwindling memberships lead to widespread congregation closures across the United States. Experts project that approximately 100,000 churches in the country may close or be repurposed over the next decade.

In Belding, Michigan, the Belding United Methodist Church recently announced its closure after 120 years of operation. This trend is highlighted in the PBS documentary series ‘Christianity at a Crossroads,’ which examines how mass church closures impact both religious and secular communities.

Amidst these broader shifts, individual ministries are also seeing leadership changes. In Oswego, Reverend Steve Good concluded a 39-year pastoral career with his final sermon at the Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist, where he had served for 10 years.