Church mergers have become one of the most effective strategies for struggling churches to thrive again, for growing churches to amplify their reach, and for church facilities to be better utilized to advance the Gospel in a region.
Better together.
About church mergers...
Church mergers have become one of the most effective strategies for struggling churches to thrive again, for growing churches to amplify their reach, and for church facilities to be better utilized to advance the Gospel in a region.
What exactly is a "church merger?"
A church merger happens when two or more churches become one through the combining, integrating, and unifying of people, structures, systems, and resources in order to better reach their community with the message of Jesus.
There's three primary types of mergers.
Just like every church is different, every church merger is different. Most, however, fit into three primary types.
Adoption
Adoption: Typically when a stable or stuck church is integrated under the leadership of a stronger, vibrant, (often larger) church.
Rebirth
Rebirth: Typically when a struggling church gets a second life by being restarted under a stronger, vibrant, usually larger church.
Marriage
Marriage: Typically when two growing churches realign with each other under a unified vision and new leadership configuration.
Questions to consider.
1. Could we accomplish more together than we could separately?
Would we find more ministry synergy, created by the two churches joining with common vision and purpose?
2. Would my congregation benefit from this merger?
Would my individual congregation be better, healthier or stronger by joining with this church?
3. Would our community be better served by us working together?
By joining forces, can we make a bigger impact in our surrounding community?
4. Could the Kingdom of God be further extended by us joining together?
Would uniting help us make more and better disciples of Jesus?
RESOURCES:
"Better together" - Mission-driven church mergers have tremendous potential to
exponentially expand the impact of strong, vibrant churches as well as
to revitalize plateaued and declining churches.
"UnSeminary Podcast" Episode - "7 Reasons Your Church Should Merge With Another Church"