Comments on: Should Our Church Merge?

By: David Pitts

David Pitts — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:59:27 +0000

Our church is in the middle of a merger at this time. Well, I say that, but the other church is actually voting on the merger this coming Sunday. We voted two weeks ago with a unanimous vote! Our median age is early to mid 30’s, the other church’s median age is 75. The vast majority of their church is for the merger but there are about five people attempting to hold things up. Five people may not sound like much, but when you only have 25-30 people voting on issues, they could comprise a large percentage. This is moving quickly, and I expect they will pass the vote on Sunday. While there are many things yet to do i.e. Constitution/Bylaws, I am trying to find a way, that through the transitional period, my pastoral authority cannot be usurped. This has been a problem throughout the history of the church we are merging with. I will be the pastor as there is no pastor at the other church. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

By: Justin

Justin — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:21:48 +0000

Im considering a church merge with a church in the same city (my uncle is the pastor and he is getting older and about to retire and has no one to take over for him.) the thinh=g I am worried about it this.. my church id mostly younger college aged, his church is mostly older people 6o’s or so. We are pretty contemp but they are very traditional, what do yall think? Just needed some advise. Thanks

By: Christian Atheist » UMC – Part 5

Christian Atheist » UMC – Part 5 — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:28:28 +0000

[...] more thoughts on “merging churches,” click 1) here, 2) here, 3) here, and 4) [...]

By: UMC - Part 5 - LifeChurch.tv : swerve

UMC - Part 5 - LifeChurch.tv : swerve — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:45:50 +0000

[...] more thoughts on “merging churches,” click 1) here, 2) here, 3) here, and 4) [...]

By: Craig Groeschel

Craig Groeschel — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:52:07 +0000

Kevin, It is a huge honor to partner with you guys! Thanks for your Kingdom desires!

Rob, Welcome to the discussion. You’ve asked a great question. Others may want to help answer his question. From my perspective, most of the time, merging isn’t a good idea. Occasionally, though, one church will have the desire to reach people, but not the leadership, understanding, or perhaps resources to do so. In those cases, partnering can be a catalyst to reaching more people.

By: Kevin Thomas

Kevin Thomas — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:47:51 +0000

I think most Aussie pastors don’t play well in the sand pit with each other…could be old fashioned pride, religious doctrinal differences or just plain old fear and insecurity of losing people to the crew down the street. We have a bunch of Pastors intrigued by our network partnership with LifeChurch.tv here on the Gold Coast… They are perplexed that we would share our platform teaching on Sunday nights with some dude in Oakalahoma. What can I say, it’s working for us and souls are being saved. Sometimes I think that we need to keep our eye on the end goal- to win souls, and use all resources God has gifted to the body to make it happen!

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 03:40:48 +0000

Why all the merging? Resources? Seems counter intuitive to “reaching out” to me. I don’t know much more about this situation since I’m new here and there isn’t much info regarding it in the post but bringing it all together to accomplish more? “Interesting”…

By: Joshua Gagnon

Joshua Gagnon — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:22:52 +0000

I’m looking forward to this week….we’re an ARC plant that launched this past Easter and just acquired a church of about 150 people. For us we were careful to use the word acquire V.S. merge….. They joined our vision we didn’t marry the two. This past week was our first time having everyone together. It was amazing, but there are a lot of factors to consider and it MUST be a kingdom move…..if it’s not going to make Jesus more famous it’s not worth the trouble. One of my mentors who has acquired a few churches gave me great advise…NO SECRETS…

By: Tom E. Snyder

Tom E. Snyder — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:20:34 +0000

One year prior to considering the merger with LifeChurch.tv, MetroChurch considered merging with a large Baptist church in the same community (MetroChurch was non-denominational). A comparison of the two might make for a very good book on the right vs. wrong ways to go about it. I wonder who should write it?

By: carl martin

carl martin — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:41:40 +0000

Thank you so much for the prayer, and I look forward the discussion. I agree, everyone says to me not to do it;however,I cannot get Philippians 3 out of my mind today as “i count all things as rubbish and refuse for the sake of knowing Christ…knowing Him and His definition of what kingdom means to Him…my definition is constantly being stretched…

By: John Atkinson

John Atkinson — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:54:55 +0000

I can’t wait to hear how you guys have done this succesfully. Were faced with an opportunity right now, and it seems like everyone I talk to says not to do it. I believe it can work so I’m excited to learn from your experience on this. Great topic!

By: Larry Mayer

Larry Mayer — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:07:44 +0000

I can remember the internal fear that I had when I first began to think about merging. Then God spoke clearly to me and said “I only want you to present the opportunity to the church.” There were not guarantees it would happen. So I was just obedient to presenting it to the body and I told them it was their decision and they need to get before God and seek His will for our church. I believe people prayed and fasted like they never have before.

We had a 93% yes vote and some told me they voted “yes” but they would not be staying. The believed it was the right thing to impact this community but the style was not theirs. Fortunately, there were 5 other churches in the area where they could land and make a difference.

By: Kurt

Kurt — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:55:28 +0000

I’ve been watching my friends at a missions college join with another movement. It’s been exciting to watch the emphasis’ changing while most of the government remains the same. Merging values and emphasis takes a high level of humility and creativity.

By: josh brower

josh brower — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:11:35 +0000

Carl,
Pride and fear are a BIG part of the merger discussion. It’s kind of funny… the original Journey Church members took more pride in my personal preaching than I did. It really was a no brainer for me… giving up something I loved, for something I love even more.

The ones that stayed don’t even remember who Journey Church was. Now, it is all about changed lives and riding the wave of God. Even now, it feels really wierd to be writing about Journey Church. We are just very forward in our thinking.

Now about that fear thing: I’ve found that fear in a situation like a church merger is normal and only indicative of the amazing adventures that are ahead, if the risk is taken.

Just some thoughts. I’ll have more throughout the week.

By: Craig Groeschel

Craig Groeschel — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:18:52 +0000

Bill and Judy, You made me smile with your “that church” discussion.

Mike, Thanks for your wise words.

Carl, Praying for you and your church today. Feel free to ask lots of questions this week. Josh, Larry and others might be able help you in your decision making.

By: Larry Mayer

Larry Mayer — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:11:17 +0000

I’m the Campus Pastor for the Wellington Campus of LifeChurch.tv. I was the Teaching Pastor when merged with LifeChurch about 18 months ago. Prior to LifeChurch we were a contemporary church that was 16 years old and we were an Elder led and staff run church.

Our desire was simple—-we were not please at the rate of life change that was going on in our church and believed that God wanted to do so much more through us.

The merge was great for us and for LifeChurch. We are seeing more lives change than ever before and best of all, we are not compared to any other church in the area. We are reaching folks that no one else is. Go God!

By: Mike Cady

Mike Cady — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:03:30 +0000

I think that in order for a church to merge, you have to have a leadership that is willing to check it’s “ego” at the door, and be willing to learn. Unfortunately, that is usually the exception and not the rule. Remember that He can do it without us, but loves us enough to let us be a part of His kingdom if we want to. And yes, she is my wife posted above, the brains in the family!

By: carl martin

carl martin — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:00:19 +0000

hey guys,
I really need the advice. We are considering a merger.
It seems to be the ultimate kingdom collaborative venture…pride seems to be the biggest obstacle…
fear is a close second…
seems to me that the source of both of these negative emotions is known well by all…
i will be reading your comments…thanks for the help
carl

By: Jenn Cady

Jenn Cady — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:30:27 +0000

I can honestly say that I have only seen it done well at Lifechurch.tv… In the south it seems that being on a “deacon board”, being king of the mountain, and maintaining power trumps merging together and being a unified force. For instance…A church recently built a fitness and rec center for the “community”. Members of this church are now complaining that other churches need to build their own because it is too crowded. How sad!

I would love to see more churches drop the country club facade ( join to be something) and choose to reach across the “aisle”..(wow it sounds like politics) and work together to IMPACT the local community. I am tired of the MARKETING… “most baptisms this year”. Wouldn’t it be great to hear…” LIVES CHANGED” instead?

By: Judy

Judy — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:30:05 +0000

Been there…done that…have the “THAT CHURCH” T-Shirt…we merged when merging wasn’t cool…it was a heartbreaking journey for me…but I love the concept!