I get it. Starting a church in Galway in 2025 might sound like opening a DVD rental store in the age of Netflix. If people aren’t actively searching for a church, why plant one?
But here’s something interesting: I have yet to meet many true atheists in Galway. Sure, many people are indifferent to religion, but very few are convinced there’s nothing beyond what we can see. In fact, census statistics back this up—8 out of 10 people in Ireland believe in something bigger than themselves.
They know deep down that there’s more to life than meets the eye.
And yet, church attendance continues to decline.
Outside of Easter, Christmas, christenings, and confirmations, for most people, church is an afterthought. They’re busy. They’ve got careers, families, deadlines, and bills to pay.
Until life happens.
The Unavoidable Crises of Life
At some point, every single person—no matter how successful, intelligent, or independent—will face a crisis.
As one writer put it:
“If you live long enough, you will suffer.”
It might be:
- Losing a loved one
- Battling a serious illness
- Struggling with loneliness
- Wrestling with stress, anxiety, or depression
- Facing an unexpected financial or relational crisis
And in those moments, when the weight of the world is crushing, where do people turn?
The Role of the Church in Moments That Matter
Just this week, I read about a young man who passed away suddenly. A tragedy that left his family and community in shock. The response? An outpouring of grief on social media, heartfelt messages, and a GoFundMe campaign that raised over €50,000.
These gestures are beautiful. They show the power of human connection.
But money doesn’t sit with a grieving mother at 2 a.m. when she can’t sleep.
Social media comments don’t hold a father’s hand at his son’s funeral.
For centuries, the church has been the one constant in moments like these. It has offered:
- A place for grieving families to find support
- Funeral services that bring meaning and comfort
- Words of hope from Scripture
- A listening ear and a praying heart
No government agency, charity, or organization has truly replaced this role.
The Elephant in the Room: Church Scandals and Betrayals
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
How can I talk about the value of the church when the church itself has hurt so many?
In that same newspaper I read about the young man’s death, there was another story—one that has, sadly, become all too familiar. A deceased priest was posthumously named for past abuse.
Tragically, these stories are not isolated. They have rightly shaken people’s trust.
Such betrayals are inexcusable. And if you’ve been hurt by the church, let me say this: I hear you. Your pain is real, and your anger is valid. It’s good that these atrocities are being exposed and that victims are receiving justice and support.
But should we throw out the entire concept of church because of the failures of some?
A New Kind of Church for a New Generation
For all the damage done, there have also been faithful, loving men and women who have served with integrity. There have been churches that truly lived out the love of Christ.
And there can be new churches—churches with no ties to past scandals, churches that start fresh, churches that truly reflect the heart of Jesus.
That’s why we’re planting L15 Church in Galway.
- A church that welcomes people as they are, without judgment.
- A church that connects people to God and to each other.
- A church that walks with people through life’s highs and lows.
We’re not here to fix everything overnight. But we believe a church can be a force for good in Galway—offering hope, friendship, and faith in a way that is real and relevant.
So, maybe nobody’s looking for a church right now. But when life happens—and it will—we want to be here.
For you.
For Galway.
For something bigger than ourselves.
Would love to hear your thoughts—do you think Galway still needs churches? Let’s talk in the comments.
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