We all know every church has a base. From childhood folks walked to church some out of necessity some because they were close to the church and parking was a premium. My wife’s family never owned a car. They walked to town, to the store and to church.Back then the pastor’s car was a church bus if the church did not have one. I was thrilled when I turned 16 and got my license I could drive and pick up the handicapped members or the ones a distance away with no car. All the churches my dad pastored had it’s base 90% of the congregation within 5 miles of the church.One of the churches, our home church in NC now has a base that is probably well over a 30 mile radius. Most likely only 20% of the active members live withing 5 miles.This is a fear of the older, local members. When the pastor retires, or leaves, how much of the base travels with him. Many traveled in when he came ten years ago.I have a feeling many churches are in the same situation, with a base fairly separated and scattered. Our church members associated some during the week and attended most mid week and nite services. Not so now.I do not know if it was a rule, or just understood years ago, that you were a member of the closest church to your home. However, I never heard of a transfer refused for that reason. ________________Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/