Church Case Studies

TWO CHURCHES IN TRANSITION

TWO CHURCHES IN TRANSITION A story of the merger of two congregations Two congregations, one a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and a United Church of Christ found that they were both struggling in keeping their churches vital for the rapid changing communities they were in, made the decision to try to come together as one congregation. This brief report identifies the strategies that The Kilgore Group Consultant used in facilitating the change/transition process to bring them together and establish a new viable and energized congregation. Background: Both churches were loosing members, not able to gain members in the rapid changing communities where they resided. The UCC church was in its facilities over 100 years, the CCDC about 45 years. Through the work of a few lay people and the pastors they began a dialogue around the possibility of joining together. The final decision to come together took place before engaging a consultant to help in the process. Strategies: 1, Worshiping at common place. After the decision was made to merge a trial period of 2 years was established to see if the congregations could work through the decision that would bring them together. They both decided to sell their current facilities, establish an interim place to meet and worship. In the transition of two congregations it was important that BOTH sell the facilities so that one church does not feel that they are moving into the other’s “house”. With the help of one of the church members who managed buildings they found a storefront that was perfect size and room for the transition process. While the above process was going on the consultant helped the congregation grieve its current facility. This was done by training lay members of the congregation to listen to the pain of the loss. This was particularly true with the older members who had long personal and meaningful histories in the previous building. After all it was the place where their marriages had taken place where their youth were baptized. Etc. In one to one and one to group interviews the members were able to find the meaning that was necessary to let go. When the vote for merger took place over 80% of the older member were on board. This stage is crucial for the future success of the transition. A ritual of transition was used on the final Sunday of being in the previous church. As the lights dimmed in the church members and clergy carried out candle stick, alter hanging, and finally the cross as the lights went out. On the first Sunday in the new temporary building a reverse process was used as a transition entrance ritual. That same process was again used on the Sunday they moved into the new church two years later. Another part of the transition that became important was getting people familiar with the new ground upon which the new church was being built. Several times and particularly on Easter the congregation gathered on the property for a Sunrise service. Two unusual events occurred that Sunday. As the service closed three Canadian geese flew in formation above the heads of the people and a small boy saw a balloon fall into bushes at the edge of the property. When he brought it back he found that there was a note inside. He broke the balloon and the note read “Peace be to those who find this note…..from a church that launched the balloon on Good Friday in Michigan. The church is five states away. No consultant could have planned that one. During the transition years the following issues were discussed and resolved. One church baptized by emersion the other by sprinkling; one served grape juice the other wine for communion. The consultant led many meetings to get this resolved, which they did. This was done by negotiation. The church decided that any from of baptism was OK although each former church tended to keep their own ritual. Communion was resolved by having wine glasses placed in the center of the tray with group juice surrounding it. The wine was light in color. People made the choice. The other Sunday’s grape juice was used. Communion was done both by trays being passed and by intinction. One pastor from one of the churches remained as sr. pastor while the other retired. Two new staff members where hired and remained with the church through the first five years in the new facility. The major role of the consultant was that of mediator and guide through the decision making process. He also acted as trainer in training many of the lay people about change, transition, and conflict management. The church is coming up to its 6th year in the new facility. It is doing well, with many new programs, ministries to the community and developing members’ spiritual life. John S. Savage Sr. Consultant.   « Back