New findings from Lifeway Research reveal that Protestant church closures in the United States continue to slightly exceed new church openings, underscoring ongoing shifts in the American religious landscape while also pointing to signs of stabilization.
According to the report, an estimated 3,800 new Protestant churches were launched across the U.S. in 2024, while approximately 4,000 congregations closed, resulting in a net loss of about 200 churches nationwide. The study draws on data from 35 denominations and faith groups, accounting for roughly 58% of all Protestant churches in the country.
While closures still outpace openings, researchers note that the gap has narrowed significantly compared to recent years. In 2019, the difference was far more pronounced, with closures exceeding new church starts by roughly 1,500 congregations. A decade ago, in 2014, the trend was reversed, as more churches opened than closed.
"Although the number of closures remains concerning, the reduced margin suggests that the pace of decline is slowing," the report notes, pointing to renewed emphasis on church planting and revitalization efforts across denominations.
The findings also highlight trends within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the nation's largest Protestant denomination. In 2024, 715 SBC churches closed, and 188 congregations disaffiliated, but new church plants helped limit the net loss to 183 churches-the smallest annual decline since the denomination began experiencing year-over-year decreases in 2017.
Despite the challenges reflected in the data, optimism remains strong among church leaders. A separate Lifeway Research survey found that 94% of U.S. Protestant pastors believe their church will still be open in 10 years, though leaders of smaller congregations expressed greater concern about long-term sustainability.
Lifeway Research leaders emphasize that church planting remains one of the most significant drivers of evangelistic growth, helping denominations mitigate steeper losses and reach new communities in a rapidly changing cultural environment.
The full report, Church Closures Eclipse Openings in the U.S., is available at Lifeway Research and offers further analysis on long-term trends shaping Protestant congregations nationwide.
