New churches lower the age profile of the American church, increase its multiethnicity, and better position the whole church for future changes.

New churches provide synergistic benefits to established churches.  Research shows that denominations that plant many strong churches have more healthy, growing, established churches than those who plant few churches.

David Olson writes, "Approximately 55,000 churches will close between 2005 and 2020, while 60,000 new churches will open, producing a net gain of 4,500 churches.  However, to keep pace with population growth, a net gain of 48,000 new churches will be needed.  In those 15 years the American church will fall short of the mark by almost 43,500 congregations.  (Simply: We are just not planting enough churches)

David Olson writes in The American Church in Crisis, "... a process of decline leads to [church] closure.  Churches lose members, income, energy, vision, and the ability to minister in a changing world.  Unless they are able to reverse those dynamics, death will inevitably occur."

Of the 32% of plants that don't survive, the reasons for their demise varies but the most common are:

1. Church planter did not possess the right mix of giftedness

2. Expectations of the core group varied too much and a unified vision was not attained

3. Financial shortfall

4. Moral or ethical failure on the part of the church planter

5. Inability to connect with the community

And - I'm going to add another one: -- 6. Lack of support (including prayer) from other churches and individuals. (it takes teamwork)

-- Don Morris

According to the North American Mission Board, in 1900 there were 28 churches for every 10,000 Americans.  In 1950, there were 17 churches for every 10,000 Americans.  Today, there are 10 churches for every 10,000 Americans.