My husband and I love older homes. Over the course of our marriage, we have restored four historic homes.

One of the highlights of my evening reading is to review the email of Historic Homes for sale. I love to imagine fixing them up, living in their beauty.

But, something disturbing is starting to emerge on this list of beauties—historic churches for sale. Three churches hit the list today.

The realtors urge the readers to envision these houses of worship repurposed as artists’ studios, concert venues, homes. But, all I can think of is the community that has lost this House of God. It is more than a building. Where did the community of believers go? Perhaps newer churches?

I have learned that in the United States, approximately 100 churches close each week. While there is some dispute among those who are counting these closures, nearly all agree that we are experiencing a net loss of congregations. That diminishes us as Americans—and as Christians with a Message for our world.

I have a close acquaintance who truly believes that churches are irrelevant. She believes that you can worship God in the privacy of your own home. While I agree that that is true, your community is not going to come to your home when in need.

My husband is a pastor, and truly, I could not count the number of times community members who were not members of the church came to the church for bus money, food, or a ride, because they needed a listening ear. They were not of the church—but they knew what the church offered. And, when in need, they came.

While many personal aspects of our Christian life can take place in our homes—collective worship, sharing out gifts, praying for each other, and serving the community take place in our churches. We are called as a community of believers to come together. The church is a gift to us and to our community. Find and serve your own church family. If you do not already have a spiritual home, visit churches until you find the one you are called to serve, grow and worship in.