Rainer on Leadership

Leading (and Loving) a Dying Church

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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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                                    Rainer on LeadershipBy Thom Rainer
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