Dec 11, 2025
In towns across rural America, churches aren't just places of worship. They're the heartbeat of the community. However, that pulse is fading as thousands close nationwide.
Nationally, as many as 15,000 churches could close this year alone, with the National Council of Churches estimating 100,000 closures in the coming years. Mainline Protestant and Catholic parishes are being hit hardest.
In Gates County, North Carolina, several churches have closed their doors. Yet one congregation seems to be opening its doors wider, finding revitalization while many suffer.
"We're in a small town, everybody knows everybody — you live in a fishbowl if you are a pastor here," said Pastor Eric Earhart of The Upper Room Assembly.
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