EVERYONE!

Many of our landmark churches in downtown areas have been drastically affected by the pluralism of memberships moving to the suburbs while the inner city renewal movement is sweeping cities. Two things happen. First, loss of membership translates into loss of finances. Second, many cities are experiencing inner-city renewal. As a result, historic buildings are located in highly prized development districts and it behooves the city to utilize that space for development into a viable tax base. 100 to 150 year old churches are disappearing via foreclosure.

It is estimated that there are over 5,000 churches for sale at any one time in the United States. In the Month of September alone, Detroit, Michigan has over 120 churches listed for sale in its metropolitan area. In the first two weeks of September, over 417 churches were listed for sale, auction, or foreclosure on LoopNet.com.

Approximately 77 churches close each week.
Zero Mosques close each year.

3000 new churches open their doors each year, while 7000 churches permanently close their doors. That’s a net loss of 4000 churches per year.

Muslims are building mosques on an average of one per week, debt free!

According to Barna Research, only 4-5% of adults in America give enough to be considered tithers.

The Muslims are obligated to give Zakat, more commonly known as Zakah. This is a yearly offering for purification, growth, and blessing. The Muslims are also instructed to give a percentage of property and wealth. The minimum percentage is 2.5% calculated on cash, all bank accounts, homes, values of any shares, merchandise, profits, gold, silver, jewelry, property, and income. Every adult is required to give on behalf of every child, even unborn children who are in the womb more than 120 days.

The Muslim believer also gives a Sadaqah offering. This is given in the form of food in the 9th Muslim month.