Close, Revitalize, or Restart? What’s a Struggling Church to Do?

What does a church do when the struggles they are facing are forcing them to consider closing? Churches in this predicament feel as though they are stuck in quicksand. Before the quicksand of closing unexpectedly swallows them whole, they have to consider three options:

1. Preparing for Closing
2. Plan for Revitalization
3. Restart/Replant

Preparing for Closing

The first option is knowingly letting the church continue on in its current downward trek and preparing for closing. This type of preparation includes the remnant flock and making sure they are introduced into other churches. It can also mean considering how to distribute the assets of the church in a way that glorifies God and continues to help build the kingdom. Search for a thriving church or gospel-preaching non-profit who may be interested in purchasing your building or worship service equipment. It may also mean investigating and dialoguing with healthy churches in the ministry target site and merging into such a church.

This is a difficult path to take but one that some churches may find necessary. If a church chooses to close, take time to celebrate together what the Lord has done throughout the history of the church. A closing celebration aids in the grieving process.

Plan for Revitalization

The second option is to consider a plan for revitalization. Revitalization may only be viable if certain things are still present in the church. Here is a list of things that should be still part of the church in order for revitalization to have an opportunity to succeed:

• Does the church have a pastor and at least two elders who are motivated to carry out the revitalization plan?
• Does the church have at least twenty-five people who will commit to the revitalization plan?
• Does the church have enough finances to sustain a budget for 6-8 months along with funds for remarketing the church, along with other items for a possible relaunch?
• Does the church have support from other churches, people to come and help, financial support, technical support, and support in other areas as needed?
• Does the church have the willingness to adopt or change its philosophy of ministry if necessary?

These items are sampling of what considerations need to be discussed if a plan for revitalization is going to be put into place. More info can be searched at Lampstand Revitalization.

Restart or Replant

The third option for struggling churches is to consider a restart/replant plan. If the church considers such a restart/replant plan it will need a significant amount of guidance and help from its denominational connections (if in a denomination) and planting organizations. A restart gives the church a clean slate. Often the church finds a new location and perhaps some additional committed participants to join the church. In order to be successful there needs to be a willingness to approach church life in a different way with some adjustments in priorities based on a strategic and prayerful study of the needs of the people in the church’s community. The leaders need to intentionally and prayerfully craft a refreshed vision and mission statement and a plan for how to carry them out.

The most important consideration for a church that is struggling is to be reminded that the church belongs to the Lord. It’s imperative to pray and seek His leading for the church’s future. Whether the church decides to plan for closing, revitalize, or restart\replant the leaders need to understand that the Lord confirmed their decision and trust that He will be with them when they close, revitalize, or restart/replant.

Church Extension Ministries has come alongside several churches who were facing the decision of whether or not to close. If the conditions are right for revitalization or there is a willingness to do the work of change necessary to restart, you may contact Church Extension Ministries for a consultation.