by Gary Becker
(Executive Director of BBM)
When I was fresh out of Bible College I became the pastor of a very small urban church. Shortly after becoming pastor the deacons came to me and said,“We know we will need to close the church but we want to give you a chance to get some experience to help you find a larger church.” Naturally my first reaction was why didn’t you tell me that before I accepted the call. It was probably youthful idealism that led to a commitment to do all that could be done to stay open. God must have shared my idealism, He blessed and the church grew during my years as pastor. Today that small church is still preaching the gospel on that same street some 50 years latter. To God be the Glory.
We often hear of churches closing or thinking of closing. Some of the reasons why churches they think of closing are as follows:
Church debt or lack of financial resources is often a primary reason. Sometimes this may be a reason to close particularly if the debt far exceeds the assets and the contributions are almost non-existent.
The leadership and membership are not willing to keep trying or are unwilling to be sacrificial.
Refusal to seek help from outside the church like from an association of churches, another church, or a ministry that is committed to restoring churches.
When a church is considering closing its doors it should be willing to “consider all the options.” The following are some lessons we have learned learned in almost 30 years with BBM about considering all the options:
Some churches wind up closing because they have “sacred idols.” These idols do not allow them to “consider all the options.” Some of the sacred idols are the style of worship, name of the church, building issues, or almost any other “tradition.”
Another option that is often REFUSED, is to consider outside help. Often churches, like many people, think they can solve their own problems. Sometimes churches close doors because they wait too long to seek or accept outside help. Churches need to learn the value of seeking help or even just a periodic evaluation.
The unwillingness to take risk or to step out in faith often limit options for churches. This may be refusing to allow outside help to take bold steps. One positive example, a church creating a visionary plan but did not have the finances. Instead of dismissing the vision the church took a mortgage out on the church property to fund the big vision. The result was within a few years the church grew and was able to pay off the mortgage. Taking reasonable financial risk before closing the doors can be a step of faith to accomplish a renewed vision. The risk of losing the building if you are about to close may provide some of the resources to renewed ministry.
The fourth option churches struggle with is considering a Bi-vocational pastor. This is more of a step of faith for the pastor than the congregation. However, congregations often are unwilling to consider this option and instead ask a pastor to suffer financial hardship. The bi-vocational pastor is often able to make contacts in the community that can lead to new believers and church members.
When considering closing a major question that needs to be asked is, what happens to the gospel witness? In some communities when a biblical church closes it may mean there is no true gospel witness in the community. If this is the case a church needs to be willing to make any and all sacrifices to preserve a witness. Sometimes this may mean turning all that is left over to another church or association of churches with a similar biblical foundation. The result may be a whole different style ministry but the gospel is still being proclaimed.
In conclusion, if your church is considering closing call in an “emergency team” at any cost. Be ready to say “take our church and let it” become whatever God desires.
[Biblically Balanced Ministries (www.balancedministries.org) has had the privilege of coming alongside a number of churches in near closing situations and has seen God renew the churches. God has truly done “above and beyond all we” prayed for and even thought.” There are many resources we can recommend and provide to help before you close the doors.]