Church attendance may be down nationwide, but construction of houses of worship is surging, The Wall Street Journal writes.
Federal data show spending on religious buildings rose nearly 17% in the 12 months through June—compared with a nearly 3% decline in overall construction—driven by new approaches to community outreach and revenue.
In Conroe, Texas, Pastor Josh Gosney turned a shuttered Kroger into Wake Church, complete with a coffee shop and children’s play place. The $6.5 million project helps pay for itself while drawing in new members during the week. Across the country, churches are repurposing retail spaces, opening child-care centers, and even adding co-working areas to appeal to younger generations and cover costs.
Though construction spending remains well below its 2001 peak, it has rebounded 50% from the pandemic low, with this year’s outlay projected at $4.6 billion. Experts say the trend reflects churches’ shift toward operating as seven-day community hubs—meeting spiritual, social, and practical needs under one roof.
