Church Foreclosure

Rascal · Postby **Rascal** » December 11th, 2009, 5:04 pm

One of our local churches here in Chattanooga has been served a forclosure notice. They have lost several members in recent months and cannot make the mortgage payments. They have a relatively new family life center. They need prayer and faith that the Lord will move in their favor.

free · Postby **free** » December 11th, 2009, 5:28 pm

A CoGoP church? If so, can't the state office step in to help?

Rascal · Postby **Rascal** » December 12th, 2009, 3:18 am

The state bishop has already assisted with $. I think they are doomed if they don't get some of their members back. This is an old church and have been in this location since the 80's. It is sad to see this happen but as we all know, churches are families and they die out just like our families. If we don't reproduce, we face an extenction.

There is a sister church just about 5 miles away. I think they should merge and sell this particular property. Take the equity (if any) and help the sister church who has also experienced a falling away in the last 5 years. I am not sure what the answer is for these churches who are struggling. I am not a minister so I am no church growth expert. I leave that up to the bishops.

free · Postby **free** » December 12th, 2009, 10:55 am

Sounds like a logical solution but as we know, CoGoP hasn't always used logic when it comes to these matters...However, you have a great overseer in TN who I'm sure will make the right call.

Postby **Pastor Gary** » December 12th, 2009, 1:01 pm

Rascal wrote:The state bishop has already assisted with $. I think they are doomed if they don't get some of their members back. This is an old church and have been in this location since the 80's. It is sad to see this happen but as we all know, churches are families and they die out just like our families. If we don't reproduce, we face an extenction.

There is a sister church just about 5 miles away. I think they should merge and sell this particular property. Take the equity (if any) and help the sister church who has also experienced a falling away in the last 5 years. I am not sure what the answer is for these churches who are struggling. I am not a minister so I am no church growth expert. I leave that up to the bishops.

That sounds like a reasonable, logical solution. As an Overseer, I can tell you reason and logic don't always factor into the solutions. :wink:

Churches have individual congregational cultures, relational webs, complicated histories and baggage. Churches CAN be blended and/or merged but it's a minefield.

Rascal · Postby **Rascal** » December 12th, 2009, 1:14 pm

Sadly, you are correct. COGOP's may all come under one banner but they really all are individual churches. The same applies to other denominations as well. These two churches will not merge as they have very different worship styles. Different music, and different type preaching. It does seem sad as the state office will sell the property and put any equity in the state treasury. Some of the members of the failing church may go to the sister church. But it is unlikely that any of the funds will follow them. We went through this about 20 years ago and it just does not seem fair. Again, I am thinking with a logical brain........

RamboPreacher · Postby **RamboPreacher** » December 12th, 2009, 1:15 pm

similar sitch in our region. not a forclosure, both properties were paid for, but the merging of two congregations can happen. as PG mentioned, there are networks of families involved and unity is an important issue; along with logic and reason, should be stressed.

It is not without precedent of the merging of congregations. it needs to be approached with tact, unity, and certainly not least is God's leading. This is how I came to be in the COGOP (good or bad, however you choose to see it); and that was the merging of an independent interdenominational to the COGOP.

one of the biggest issues that I see (as a congregant, and one that is an ordained COGOP minister), is not the merging of congregations, but the merging of "staffs", and especially if there are two or more "strong-willed" pastors involved.

There I said it.

Yes, the pastors (and leadership of the overseer) need to decide what's best for the congregations (with the voice of the congregations as necessary) - no matter what's "best" for any individual pastor.

I am not leaving out the possibility of miracle and God's intervention; this would all need to be done through much prayer and intercession.

Having been through many "mergers and acquisitions" (in business AND in church), there are always plus sides and downsides. the project plan (yes, there should be one, maybe not six-sigma, but there should be one) should include a timeline, milestones, etc. It should focus on communications as a positive illumination of the process.

sorry, ramblin now... (but I do often wonder why there isn't a "staff" of project coordinators/managers at the COGOP headquarters)

Jude 2