by NewChurches.com: In Episode 439 of the NewChurches Q&A Podcast, Daniel and Ed discuss how a church planter should approach a declining church about a merger.
“My name is Bart and I am planting a church in Sarasota, FL. We are currently renting the building that we meet in every Sunday morning. I hear of churches that are shrinking in size and may not make it much longer allowing growing, and possibly newer, churches to use their building, and possibly even take it over. Is there a way to lovingly pursue an option like this? I know of a couple of churches in the area that can seat over 100 and yet have less than 30 in attendance each week. Or would it be better to just keep doing what we are doing and not pursue using another church’s building?”
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
The best way to approach a church about a merger
Why relationship is important
Shareable Quotes (#NewChurches):
“Part of the challenges is that he is in the position of asking which changes the dynamic.” – @edstetzer
“The church planter goes to talk to the regional leader and asks them to talk to the church about this and then the potential conversation can begin.” – @edstetzer
“The sponsor church is supposed to ask out the new church plant.” – @edstetzer
“The multisite thing has created suspicion in people’s minds.” – @edstetzer
“Begin relationships with other pastors in your city, not because you want their building, but because you want to pray together and reach the city together.” – @danielsangi
“Intentionally build these relationships with other pastors in your city. They are not your enemies.” – @danielsangi
“Build together. Work together. Pray together. Who knows what God is going to do in the future.” – @danielsangi
Additional Resources:
Listen to the Ask Me Anything Podcast
Read Better Together by Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird
Read Planting New Churches in a Postmodern Age by Ed Stetzer
Watch Collaboration and the Surge Network [Behind-The-Scenes]
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This Episode’s Sponsor: What lies ahead for Christians around the world? Len Sweet outlines over 25 rings of fire facing the church and how we can walk in faith through this volcanic future. You can get your copy of Rings of Fire at Navpress.com. NavPress is the publishing arm of The Navigators and provides the latest and classic resources for discipleship and Christian growth.
The post Episode 439: Should I Pursue Using a Declining Church’s Building? appeared first on NewChurches.com – Church Planting, Multisite, and Multiplication.
Source: Episode 439: Should I Pursue Using a Declining Church’s Building?