For most areas of the country, January tends to be a bleak weather month. So why is it that it is in this same month we must begin looking at things like taxes, yearly sales reports and the like? It just doesn’t seem fair.

The Church Bookstore Network does not have financial reports to consider, but we do try to be aware of what is happening in this channel of Christian retail. To collect some current information, I have been making hundreds of calls across the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska. Mostly I am attempting to locate those churches with stores that are open and functioning as retail outlets.

Just as January can bring some gloomy days, my calling has revealed some hard facts. Church stores have not been spared in these months of business cutbacks and closures. With giving down, churches are struggling and examining every aspect of their ministry. If the church store—or other support ministries such as cafés, coffee shops and gyms—cannot effectively support themselves, the church many times chooses to close them.

Other reasons I have heard for closures include a change in leadership, loss of volunteers and need of the space for other ministries.

But just as all January days are not dark and rainy (or snowy), there have been some bright spots. I am encouraged to hear of new church stores opening and existing ones expanding. Some megachurches are developing multiple church locations and starting a bookstore at each.

But churches seem more cautious about any ministry they add. Stating the obvious, it must be in line with the overall mission of the church. I see church stores slower to add more categories to their stores, sticking with the most needed ministry tools like Bibles, Bible study resources and pastor’s materials. They are also being careful with inventory numbers both in breadth and depth.

Overall, I am very encouraged, because the stores that remain strong are those who are most focused on the spiritual needs of their congregation and exist to serve that need. The sun does indeed shine in January.

Geni Hulsey is president of the Church Bookstore Network.

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