The Resurrection of Jesus is the single most remarkable event in human history. We celebrate this remarkable Day in a little more than a week. The beating and humiliation of Jesus following an unjust system of justice has been done to others in the dark annals of human history. The same can be said about the crucifixion. While inhumane and horrific, others have endured similar deaths. But no one returned to life three days later. No one. It is the rock on which our faith rests. The miracle of all miracles.
This is meant in no way to lower the importance or the power of the Resurrection of Jesus, but the church of Jesus Christ (or more specific to my situation, the Church of the Nazarene) in the United States needs a resurrection too. The church isn’t dead. So maybe it is too early to be calling for a resurrection. But the church is in trouble. In many corners it is on life support. We need another miracle of miracles.
Experts are predicting the closing of 100,000 churches in the United States over the next 20 years. That number is approximately 25% of the churches in America. It is already is happening in the Church of the Nazarene. Less than 10 years ago there were 5247 Nazarene churches in USA/Canada. This past year the reported number of churches was 4417. What will there be in 10 years? 3,000? 2500?
The questions can be asked: Are North American Christians too soft? Are we too busy? Are we too political? Are we too rich? Are we too divided? Have we traded our first love? Have we forgotten the hurting, the broken, and the “least of these”? Are we no longer embodying the holiness we profess? Are we mere shadows of the saints of past generations who sacrificed for the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Is our culture so strong and our faith so weak that we can’t overcome?
I cannot fully answer those questions. I have my suspicions. I don’t like some of my conclusions. What I do know is this: We need a miracle. We need the Spirit of God to sweep in. It’s time to beg, plead, confess, and cry out like prophets of old. If not now, when? We need to be resurrected. The Psalmist question and plea should be ours: Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation. Psalm 85:6-7
Start it in me, O Lord. Start it in me.
My Two Cent Offering 
Great assessment of our current situation. So sad, and it does not have to be this way. My question would be how can I be part of this Resurrection of our church? I am an ordained Elder in the COTN and available. It seems to me my church I have served in and made great sacrifices seems to have moved on from the older pastors. I am now attending a non denomination in Greenfield Indiana that is relevant in music style and have adopted other systems that work today,! This church is exploding with growth!! running three services with a weekly attendance of over 2000!! Many families attending, men bringing there families and yes older people enjoying this style.
If we are not willing to change we are willing to die _ Rev. Bob Huffaker
I totally agree with your comments. How can we turn this around? I would love to be a part of a re – booting of a congregation who would be willing to do what we must do in reaching others and not make it about our likes, styles, traditions that no longer work. Lets find some new wine skins!
I would love to meet you sometime! Keep up the great work! Its time we wake up!
Mike Clark
how many of the churches that closed were in dying towns or locations? It is also hard to stay alive when the sanctuary seats 150 and there is a new church down the street that has everything you can imagine? The Naz Church has fantastic doctrine, we need our pastors to be involved in the community. If they don’t make themselves known within the broader community, they will struggle.
As a Nazarene Pastor for over 30 years here is another view. The eschatological perspective is 2 These. 2:3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped. Now this will create more questions but the answers are in the Word about the times we live in. Jesus’ teaches this in Matt. 2410 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. The offended spirit is on the rise on every side of the equation.
The decline in the number of churches in the United States is a complex phenomenon that has multiple contributing factors. Some of the reasons behind this decline could include demographic changes, a decline in religious affiliation, cultural and social changes, etc.
Am a third-generation Nazarene and also an Elder with the Church of the Nazarene but I cannot escape reality. Let me consider possible scenarios for the future of the Church of the Nazarene in the next 10 years, according to the information in the article:
Continued decline: If current internal problems persist, the number of Nazarene churches may continue to decline in the coming years. In this case, the number could fall below 3,000 or even 2,500 in the next decade.
Stabilization: The Church of the Nazarene has to implement effective strategies to address the serious internal challenges it faces. In this scenario, decisions to solve their internal problems likely affected many churches that could remain around current levels or decrease slightly.
Growth: Although less likely given current trends, there is a possibility that the Church of the Nazarene will experience a decline rather than growth in the coming years. This could be the result of a lack of sensitivity on the part of their leaders in seeking realistic solutions that actually help true spiritual renewal, especially in evangelism and discipleship.
This is my humble opinion with these scenarios. As I stated earlier, the future of the Church of the Nazarene will depend largely on a variety of factors and decisions made at both the denominational and local levels. Regardless of what happens in terms of numbers, it is crucial that the Church continue to fulfill its mission of sharing the gospel, serving those in need, and being a source of hope and community for those who seek it.
The Church of the Nazarene is in trouble because they are producing liberal preachers out of the universities. They are holding on to tradition but not doing well in explaining this tradition so the congregations can understand and impliment them. Board meetings are done is secret. Is this what Jesus did with His disciples, taught them in secret? Whatever has happened to humble yourself and submit, give your neighbor grace and mercy? Just saying by my observation.