Across South Florida, congregations are confronting a hard numbers problem: rising costs, shifting demographics, aging facilities, and, in some cases, fewer people in the pews. A wave of foreclosures, property sales and mergers has put the issue in sharp relief. At the same time, pastors and church leaders say new tactics — from housing development and nonprofit partnerships to online giving — are helping churches remain anchors of community life.

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Local pastors say South Florida’s affordability crisis, demographic shifts and gentrification are reshaping who can attend and give.

“I don't think it's a church problem, per se. I would say it's a South Florida problem. Context always influences culture,” said the Rev. Nathaniel Robinson III, senior pastor at Mount Hermon AMEC in Miami

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