Dechurched

I feel like God has me in a discovery process of late regarding the state churches on the north side of Chicago.  Its becoming clearer and clearer to me that this area of the city is becoming dechurched at an alarming rate.  The number of churches closing, selling, being torn down, converted to condos, single family residences, etc. is very high. 

I mentioned this past Sunday in my message that I know of 9 former church buildings in my informal, accidental research that are no longer churches.  These buildings are all within a short walk of our Lakeview and Lincoln Park locations. Here's a descriptive list:

• Cells Church which formerly met in a building on Clybourn just a few blocks North of Wellington on the East side of the street.  (the building has a big cross built into the facade.  I believe it is now a private, indoor climbing facility.)
• 3100 block of Damen between Barry and Belmont.  Currently a residence and photo studio.
• Seeley, one block North of Grace on the Northwest corner; it was a Lutheran church and it is now for sale.
• 3500 block of N. Wolcott; the building is being converted into a single family residence; the church sign in front is still lists the name of the church and sign reads something like "don't let your dog poop on our lawn"
• 3 former churches on Barry east of Lincoln; there is a several block stretch with 3 large former church buildings that have all been condoed out
• The former Christ Church of Wrigleyville building on Addison just a block or two east of Southport; it is now the Brixen Ivy Community Center and sits empty most of the time
• School and Paulina--the condos that are now there were built on the site of a former church building; the church was torn down about 2 years ago to make way for the condos

Math-challenged?  Let me help you--that's a total of 9 churches.  And that total comes from very haphazard research.  I'm sure that comprehensive research would at least double that figure.

There is a sense of urgency in me to fight for this city.  Worshiping Jesus is becoming very unfashionable and increasingly difficult to do, even for the interested or seeking. 

What does this mean?  I believe it means that this is an unprecedented season to be worshiping Jesus and serving and loving this city and it's communities in Jesus' name.  And if we capitalize on the opportunity side of this current church decline--this dechurching effect--then, I believe we may see God move with His favor in a broad spiritual awakening.

Comments

[Mo]

Wow, I really had no idea about this!

[k]

The Christ Church of Wrigleyville changed it's name and now meets at a different location a few blocks away. It is going to move locations once again to the Brixen Ivy location. Just because the location is no longer being used - does that mean the church is no longer meeting?

[Kevin]

K, thanks for your comments. I am familiar with the Church of Wrigleyville/Christ Church of Wrigleyville history having met with their church leaders. I'm really glad to hear the Church of Wrigleyville will be moving back into that building on Addison for services. That is a great space for worship gatherings. And certainly there are other great churches that rent property in our city--New Life Covenant's rental of Clemente High School comes to mind.

My concern in my posts related to dechurchification is the loss of dedicated worship space through the sale and dissolution of property in the city of Chicago. A couple subsequent posts get into more of the details on that matter. Thanks again for the update on Church of Wrigleyville. I need to reconnect with Pastor Josh.