A Cottage Grove Minnesota church has been really struggling to make ends meet, and so recently they have asked their older members to leave to create room for younger members to join the church.

The Grove United Methodist Church in the suburb of Cottage Grove is closing in June, with plans to relaunch in November. Most of the present members are over 60 years old and will be invited to worship elsewhere according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press . The church is asking that they stay away for two years, then consult the pastor about reapplying.

According to WCCO the church has struggled with membership and finances. Seven years ago, they could no longer pay for its minister, so the church switched to lay ministry, with weekly sermons by members. The church’s attendance and finances have stabilized recently, with an average weekly attendance of about 25 people.

Rev. Dan Wetterstrom said Cottage Grove is growing quickly and the church should be as well. The church has hired a specialist in starting new churches his name is Jeremy Peters. Peters is 30 years old, married And has 2 children. Wetterstrom went on to say  "We are asking them to let this happen. For this to be truly new, we can’t have the core group of 30 people. The members of the church have other options. They can come to Woodbury during this phase.”

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

More From MIX 108