Why Church Kitchens Are Going Away (03/13/25)

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This week we’re talking about the decline of kitchens in church buildings across the country. This used to be a controversial topic among brethren in previous generations, but now it seems that it is becoming less common in the current generation. I saw an article this week that discussed the reasons for this, which were very interesting. I thought it would be good for us to consider some points in our episode today.

STORY – Church Kitchens Are Getting Chopped

Church kitchens are disappearing. They are disappearing from rural, suburban, and urban churches. From liberal and conservative churches, contemporary and liturgical, megachurches and the medium-sized.

One by one, across America, as buildings are remodeled and new construction replaces old, kitchens are getting scrapped.

[…]

Newly built or remodeled churches typically have a space with a sink and a coffee pot, Slagill said. Possibly a microwave. But no expanse of countertop suitable for chopping carrots, potatoes, and onions to go into a big pot of soup. No oversized refrigerators for Jell-O salads. No industrial ovens large enough to cook three or four casseroles at once. Churches these days don’t have a lot of cupboards with drawers labeled “forks and knives,” “spoons,” and “serving utensils.”

That kind of space is gone. Or at least it’s going away. (Christianity Today)