Ending with Hope: A Resource For Closing Congregations

by Beth Ann Gaede

Why is it we do funerals so well but often balk at even recognizing the death of a congregation? Couldn't we do grief ministry and funerals as well for social groups as we do for individuals?" challenges Gilson Waldkoenig, in his seminary classes. Waldkoenig, associate professor of church in society at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, contributes his special insights on the subject of church endings, in this unique and important book. Ending with Hope grows out of the understanding that although closing a congregation is in many ways about dying, it can also be about new life. Closing a congregation does not have to be about failure but can be about redirecting resources for new ministry. Contributors represent eight denominations and include more than a dozen pastors, lay leaders, judicatory staff, and others who have "been there"―who have helped congregations through the painful closing process. Resources include models for assessing whether a congregation should close; reflections on members' and pastors' experiences during closing; case studies; guidance for deciding what to do with a building; suggestions for selecting and preserving documents and artifacts; rituals for healthy closings; a survey of historical trends regarding closings; and other helpful materials.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and well thought out look at ending a congregation or merging with another. It is not always a failure of the church itself that it needs to close.

[Sharon Hollis · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are exercising leadership in a congregation that is thinking about closing or merging, or is doing so this would be an excellent book. It helps put the key questions that need to be worked through and provides some sage guidance through these issues. For Australian readers it is somewhat limited by its American context but still worth the read.