project regeneration A Church Asset Transformation Program

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1 project regeneration A Church Asset Transformation Program

2 This Program Guide is intended for leaders of congregations considering a reinvention of their ministry, merger with another congregation, or closure. THE CONTEXT Many congregations today are facing significant new challenges. They see: a noticeable decline in worship attendance; population loss or change in demographics in the church s local community; community zoning issues that alter the neighborhood it seeks to serve; ever-increasing struggle in meeting the financial demands of the annual operating and mission budgets; a shortage of available new leadership to become Ruling Elders and Deacons; the inability to meet its mission objectives or a lack of ability to articulate a clear vision for ministry; the general aging of the church s membership. a burden of a building designed for a much larger congregation. In the midst of such a time, what is God calling these congregations to do, to be? Could it be that God is calling these churches to something new? Could it be that just as God once called together a people that formed these churches, God is now calling them to consider new directions of ministry and mission? Could it be that faithful stewardship might mean a radically new and different understanding of the future? Might it mean letting go of a life that once was and walking with faith into a future dimension of ministry never before considered? How are we to demonstrate our faith in God and confidence in the future God would hold for our congregations and us? The Presbyterian Foundation is partnering with congregations and presbyteries across the denomination to explore creative options that address these questions. 2

3 For over two hundred years the Presbyterian Foundation has sought to bring people and mission together by: supporting the effort to start and grow endowments to benefit the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) from the local church to mission projects throughout the world; providing a variety of planned giving opportunities to benefit the donor as well as the donor s congregation or mission cause the donor may choose; creating a family of socially responsible mutual funds that local churches and related institutions can utilize for investment of assets. PROJECT PURPOSE The Presbyterian Foundation has evolved in response to the ever-changing needs of the church. Its most recent innovation will provide assistance to Presbyterian congregations considering a reinvention of their ministry, a merger with another congregation or bringing to a close its current activities. When a congregation has moved through the discernment process and has come to the decision point regarding the disposition of its property or other assets, the Foundation s team can propose a variety of legacy options that would best serve to continue the church s mission. Each member of the team is a seasoned member of the Foundation s field staff and brings a wealth of experience as either a Teaching or Ruling Elder with local Presbyterian congregations. Such a journey of discovery and discernment might look something like this... 3

4 THE JOURNEY Where is the Congregation Headed? When Jesus called the disciples to ministry, they responded in faith. They did not know where they were headed. They had to leave their past behind and, with faith, move into an unknown tomorrow alongside Jesus (Mark 1: 16-20). May the disciples commitment, faith and trust inspire the same in us! As with any journey we travel there are certain signposts along the way that guide us toward our destination. PRIOR TO INVOLVING THE PROJECT REGENERATION TEAM Signpost: Self-Assessment The Session, Administrative Commission or designated committee begins its journey of discovery with an assessment of the congregation s current situation. Such an assessment may involve a representation of church members and members of the appropriate presbytery committee who can bring an objective perspective to the process. The selfassessment might include: church attendance data from at least the past five years or more; financial giving patterns by its members over the past five years or more; cost projections for continuing the church s current ministry and building maintenance (ongoing expenses as well as deferred maintenance costs); community or area demographic information for past five years as well as future projections; a survey of congregation member attitudes and perspectives; a formal appraisal of the church property; a candid discussion of the congregation s vitality and future potential for ministry. 4

5 The steps involved at this point along the way might closely resemble those involved in completing a mission study that congregations develop when searching for new pastoral leadership. Several print resources are available to assist in this data-gathering phase as well as denominational programs like New Beginnings, Appreciative Inquiry and the Presbytery of New Covenant s Future Story initiative (please see Recommended Resources). Signpost: Discernment While the disciples, when called, had little time to decide, the congregation hopefully has ample time to assess the information in hand and pose the question - What is God calling this community of believers to become? This is a time of prayer seeking God s will for the future of this congregation. It is a time of reflection on the data gathered in the Assessment, consideration of the issues raised by other congregational members and seeking to discern how God is leading the church into the future. Is the church called upon to re-invent itself and its ministry? Is a potential merger with one or more congregations a strong possibility? Or is the church called upon to celebrate its history, its life and ministry in the community, to share its stories of a faithful presence in the name of Christ through the years and close the doors of its physical presence? Is the church able to create a legacy that will provide support for new and exciting ministries that will bring glory to God and potentially change lives in the name of Christ through the continued expression of ministry of the dissolved congregation? 5

6 Signpost: Articulate the Vision Taking the gathered data, the results of prayer and discerning God s purposes for the congregation, a clearly defined and succinct vision statement is created. Such a vision will provide a roadmap for the congregation s next steps whether it is the re-invention of its mission and ministry, the exploration of merger possibilities, or closure. WHEN THE PREVIOUS STEPS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED, THE PROJECT REGENERATION TEAM IS INVITED TO OFFER ITS GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT. Signpost: Implementation A template for action is developed to bring the vision to life and attain the desired result. Depending on the direction the church will take, the team will offer the Foundation s services in exploring the options for a temporary or long-term stewarding of the church s assets. The Team and Foundation will work alongside the leaders to explore investment goals and clarify expectations, which will help determine the most appropriate strategy to fulfill the congregation s mission and vision. If assets are to create a gift to provide a perpetual stream of income for new ministry, the Team will assist in suggesting ways the donor congregation can assure a vital ministry for future generations. The Team will observe the polity and governance of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as well as any policies of the presbytery of jurisdiction, asking questions and providing a careful and objective assessment of the financial realities and resources available for use. Included will be the analysis of their financial information that may lead to a candid discussion about the congregation s viability and future potential for ministry. 6

7 Signpost: Celebration How is the church to celebrate its new vision of ministry, rebirth, merger or closure? The Team will be able to share some models of celebration how have other congregations memorialized their past and sought God s blessings for the future through worship and other gatherings? If creating a legacy, how can this be lifted up and celebrated? Signpost: Stewardship If the Presbyterian Foundation will hold invested assets or hold assets to provide income for new ministry possibilities, it will continue a relationship with the appropriate committee(s) or group(s). Periodic reporting and review of investments will be scheduled. If the congregation chooses to re-invent itself and move forward with a new vision for ministry or chooses to merge with one or more congregations, the Foundation s Ministry Relations Officer is available to be an ongoing partner in developing gifts to grow and sustain this new ministry in the name of Christ. For more information about, please contact Paul Grier at or by at Paul.Grier@PresbyterianFoundation.org 7

8 Recommended Resources: Mark Lau Branson, Memories, Hopes, and Conversations, Alban Institute, See web link: The description of Appreciative Inquiry is presented through the story of one congregation struggling to articulate its identity when so much had changed. Beth Ann Gaede, Ending with Hope, A Resource for Closing Congregations, Alban Institute, Stephen Gray and Franklin Dumond, Legacy Churches, ChurchSmart Resources, Linda M. Hilliard and Rev. Gretchen J. Switzer, Finishing with Grace, A Guide to Selling, Merging or Closing Your Church, Booklocker.com, Inc., Loren B. Mead, Transforming Congregations for the Future, Alban Institute, Web Links: Presbyterian Church (USA) Church Information Form See web link: A local congregation usually completes the Church Information Form in order to call a new Pastor or Interim Pastor. Perhaps some of the questions posed will be helpful in your work of self-assessment. Presbyterian Church (USA) Ten-Year Trends See web link: Enter your congregation s zip code in space provided under Find a Congregation and retrieve the information you need. The Presbyterian Church (USA) website s home page provides you access to your congregation s ten-year trends: membership, worship attendance, stewardship, among others. Presbyterian Church (USA) - New Beginnings See web link: New Beginnings strives to provide church leaders with the tools necessary to take a critical and in-depth look at themselves, and by doing so, assist those leaders in leading their congregation forward. The Presbytery of New Covenant - Future Story See web link: A resource to assist congregations better see themselves and their communities and dream a God-inspired future. 8