Leading (and Loving) a Dying Church

Rainer on Leadership

How can you lead (and love) a church that is dying? Thom and Sam discuss this listener-submitted question. No church should die, but some will. Some pastors must shepherd congregations on what amounts to spiritual hospice care. It’s a difficult calling, but there are some ways to glorify God, even as a church goes through the process of closing.

• • You are not less of a pastor for shepherding a dying church.
  • Your real estate is a kingdom asset. Consider merger and church planting options.
  • Start on your “what’s next” plan well before the church closes.
  • Ask people to write or record their favorite church memories and document their contributions.
  • Find a way to celebrate the legacy of the church.
  • If a church will die, there is no need to rebuke the congregation. Simply love and encourage them.

Resources:

• “The Daily Walk Bible”

• Tyndale House Publishers

• My Church Staff

• Brown Church Development Group

• Church Growth Services: Get your free campaign capacity analysis!

• Ryan Burge

• FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

• Church Answers Central

• The Everything Church Resource Directory

• The Hope Initiative

• Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector

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