When Jesus Shuts Down a Church

by Bart Denny

I like to think of myself as a student of the root causes behind the death of local churches—and what it takes to breathe life back into a congregation on the brink of closure. Over the years, I’ve read dozens of books and articles exploring why churches die and how revitalization happens. And while every church that closes has its own story and unique circumstances, ultimately, there’s one overarching reason a church shuts its doors:

Because Jesus does.

That’s right.

Surprisingly, the New Testament only mentions the closing of a church once. Just once. And it's not because of dwindling attendance, financial struggles, or changing neighborhoods. It’s because Jesus Himself threatens to remove their lampstand.

We read about it in Revelation 2:1–7 (NASB 2020), where Jesus commands the Apostle John to write a sobering letter to the church in Ephesus:

“I know your deeds… and that you cannot tolerate evil people... But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent… or else I am coming to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”

Let that sink in. Jesus tells an orthodox, hard-working, truth-loving church: “Repent—or I will shut you down.”

A Church with Impressive Credentials… and a Serious Problem

The Ephesian church wasn’t some fly-by-night operation. It had pedigree. The Apostle Paul planted it with Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18), labored there for two years (Acts 19), and later sent his protégé Timothy to serve as its pastor. This church had solid theology. They didn’t tolerate false teachers. They persevered through hardship—most likely persecution in a city devoted to worshiping Artemis.

By all appearances, this church was doing everything right.

But something had gone terribly wrong.

Despite their endurance and doctrinal purity, Jesus warns them of impending judgment. Why? Because they had abandoned their first love.

And here’s the kicker: I believe this is the root issue behind the widespread decline and death of churches across America today. Not a lack of programs, pastors, or people—but a loss of passion for Jesus.

What Does It Mean to Lose Your First Love?

Most scholars agree that “first love” refers to our initial passion for Christ and His Gospel. It’s the spark that once made us bold in our witness, joyful in our service, and hungry to see lives transformed.

But somewhere along the way, the Ephesian church had traded that passion for a cold, lifeless orthodoxy. They were still “doing church,” but the heart was gone. Their once outward-focused zeal for the lost had shriveled into inward-focused comfort. Evangelism? Too messy. Better to stay in the bubble, among friends, keeping things safe and respectable.

It’s a common pattern. A church plant starts with vision and fire. Growth comes. Then comfort. Then a plateau. Then decline. Finally, doors close. But the light didn’t go out when the doors locked. It flickered out years earlier—when the church lost its first love.

But There’s Hope

Jesus doesn’t give this warning to Ephesus to condemn them. He gives it to offer a path back:

“Remember from where you have fallen, and repent… To the one who overcomes, I will grant to eat from the tree of life.”

Repentance leads to restoration. Churches that turn back can experience life again. That’s what gives me hope for declining churches today.

Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to visit a variety of churches—some struggling, others thriving. And I’ve heard all the excuses:

“People just don’t want to come to church anymore.”

No, friend. They just don’t want to come to a church that’s dead, insular, and going through the motions.

Recently, I attended a church packed with people. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t entertainment-driven. But it was alive. The Gospel was preached. Jesus was exalted. Lost people were welcomed. Sin was confronted with grace and truth. And prayer wasn’t just for sprained ankles—it was for the salvation of souls.

I even heard the pastor boldly declare biblical truth on issues our culture finds uncomfortable—like gender and eternity—while still extending love and compassion. That church wasn’t thriving because it was trendy. It was thriving because it was faithful.

What’s the Prescription?

If you’re part of a dying church, here’s what I believe Jesus would say:

Repent. Humbly. Immediately.

Stop blaming the neighborhood. Stop blaming the times. Stop hiding behind nostalgia or church politics.

Start praying for the lost in your community—not just for the saints with health problems.
Start seeking the Spirit’s power.
Start loving your neighbors as Christ loved you.
Start obeying the Great Commission again.

The problem isn’t that people don’t want to come to church. It’s that too many churches have forgotten why they exist in the first place.

The good news? If Jesus is the one who removes lampstands, He’s also the one who can rekindle the flame.

So let’s return to our first love. Let’s lead our churches—not back to tradition for tradition’s sake—but back to Jesus. Back to the Gospel. Back to the mission.

Let’s be lighthouses again.