Can someone explain the benefits of closing a church only to reopen it as a church plant other than: 1. Securing “church planting†funds for the briefly closed church?2. Looking like a new church has been planted in a state or region?
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Can someone explain the benefits of closing a church only to reopen it as a church plant other than: 1. Securing “church planting†funds for the briefly closed church?2. Looking like a new church has been planted in a state or region?
Hey oldschooler (Lots of us around, LOL) Welcome aboard, I don’t think I said that yet.??? (I’m just old)It always seems like semantics to me, not sure that is the best word, but I have seen some successful ‘closing and reopening under a new name’, and others that was just a waste of time, effort and money.I don’t know actually what determines the success or failure, but I honestly think it is the Pastor. We used to be afraid of churches that were built around a pastor that is one reason pastors were moved every few years. in this day with transportation no problem MOST churches are formed around the pastor. Some men’s personality along with a desire to teach and preach God’s word draws seekers.Anyway, I am not sure there is a good answer to the question, but it is definitely a discussion point!Sorta like our present church, we recently changed pastors and we will loose 10-15 people who ‘like the pastor across town’ better than the new guy. I can’t fault them for it, that is the way it seems to roll in today’s world. The dedication is to a pastor, not the local church! ________________Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/
There are reasons for a church closing.If it is unable to support itself and funds have been habitally used to bail it out. Close it and perhaps do a relaunch in the area with a change indentity.Another sad reason is if a state is cannibalizing churches to pay state expenses________________
Beyond whether it obtains church plant monies or is even noted as a new church plant, there can be value in terms of relaunching a church. Sometimes, a church needs to change, but unless it appears to have closed and opened up under new management, so to speak, it cannot effect the needed transformation.Maybe the very same people will still be there, but it can appear like something new is going on for the community. Yes, they know it’s still on the same property, may even look the same (although it would be hoped to have some sort of upgraded appearance), but because there is activity going on there, they can give it a chance.Also, if You’n Go To Hell If You’n Cutcher Hair Church of God has a certain sort of reputation in the community, a relaunch (again, regardless of whether funds are received or it is counted as a new church) under a new name, etc., might make people who are on their way to hell for cutting their hair decide to try it out. Also, there is something about a place that seems new, even if it has been there a while.
Highlighted area is very true. ________________Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/
Is that why so many reopen with the name New Life ….. ?
Churches get stuck in a rut and sometimes it’s the fault of the Pastor and sometimes it’s the fault of the people. In KY, we have watched Bishop Rabon do this a couple times. An unhealthy church, one that is on deaths door is ripe for a re-plant. Merge it with a new pastor/congregation and give it a shot.In my opinion this is a win win for the new church and the community. The new Pastor/Church needs a place to worship and the community needs a church. With that said, if the same pastor and the same congregation is trying to do a re-launch