Comments on: When Churches Merge

By: Mike Dennis

Mike Dennis — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 06:48:41 +0000

Another positve example is Fowlerville UB. It was originally Conway and Cohoctah UBs.
Am I correct in my perception that many of the successful church mergers (aside from Gaines example above) involved new facilities and/or relocation, and usually new names/identities?
. . . . wondering out loud . . . . how many of our churches have shown positive growth after moving to new locations and or constructing new facilties or going through significant renovations and additions (by significant I mean that the original facility was barely recognizable.)

By: Dick Raab

Dick Raab — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 20:21:51 +0000

Steve
What you have recommended is not new. Back in 1967 I was assigned to Gaines & Dutton UB Churches near Grand Rapids. In 1969 we closed the Dutton church and all (20-25) the people except 2 started attending the Gaines Church. Then, in 1979, I was also assigned to the Caledonia Church. We had already gone through a process of working toward merging the two Churches. I served Caledonia for 2 months and then the official merger took place with another 25-30 people becoming a part of the Gaines congregation. Gaines became a larger stronger church as a result. In fact, for awhile it was the 2nd largest church in Michigan Conference.

By: Brent Liechty

Brent Liechty — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 01:09:52 +0000

Steve, thanks for the wonderful comments. This is something that I have believed in for awhile. It is just so hard for people to give up control and comfort for the unknown. But the main drawback is pride, and it needs to be confronted more often, especially as costs are increasing to employ pastors and insurance for the church. This is a relevant message that needs to be trumpted more often.