Ending a ministry or closing a church is arguably one of the most difficult decisions a pastor or congregation can face but is one that is one that is becoming a reality more and more often. As a pastor, it is my greatest fear. Even in an era of triumphant tales of new ministries and faith expressions rising from the closing of churches and reallocation of resources, the thought of a church closing chills me to my core. The process can be accompanied by personal and communal grief, guilt, and a sense of failure.

Yet, sometimes, it's the most faithful and courageous path forward for a congregation, and exactly what God is calling that faith community to do. Discerning when to end a ministry or close a church is a complex process that requires prayerful consideration, honest assessment, and communal discernment. Most of all, it takes the courage to ask scary questions and listen for God’s call among our own fears. It's not a decision to be taken lightly, but neither should it be avoided out of fear or sentimentality. 

There are several indicators that it might be time to consider closing a church or ending a ministry:

Declining attendance and participation: When attendance consistently dwindles and engagement in church activities wanes, it may signal a lack of vitality and relevance. One of the ways to evaluate your discernment into a call is whether that new call bears fruit; the same can be said with an older ministry or congregation. If the fruit isn’t present, that is a powerful indicator.

Financial struggles: If the church consistently struggles to meet its financial obligations, it may be a sign of unsustainable resources. While I often point out that our financial health is fluid and can fluctuate quickly and wildly, it can be an indicator of the trust a faith community has in the wider expression and institution. Running out of resources that come from the community can be a marker that people no longer believe in the relevance of that expression’s mission.

Lack of leadership and volunteers: A shortage of dedicated leaders and volunteers can hinder the church's ability to function effectively, and a group that is unable to produce leaders from within may very well be dying. 

Conflict and division: Ongoing conflict and unresolved disputes can create a toxic environment that hinders spiritual growth and missional impact, but it can also be an expression of the environment in place already not living into an active call from God. When an organization or ministry is moving independently of the Holy Spirit, it can find division, conflict, and chaos created. 

After looking for indicators of the health of the call in the faith community, it’s time to prepare to discern the future. That process can be varied, but consider the following as a basic guide:

Honest Assessment: This process should include a thorough evaluation of the ministry or the church's current situation. Analyze attendance trends, financial health, leadership capacity, and community needs. Gather feedback from members through surveys, focus groups, or individual conversations. Even though this part of the process is data-driven, it can still stir up strong and sometimes volatile emotions, so be patient and kind.

Prayerful Discernment: Seek God's guidance through prayer, scripture reading, and reflection. Invite the congregation to join in this process of communal discernment, seeking the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Be prepared to approach this discernment with a skeptical and objective eye, separating ego, fear, grief, and God’s call to a fruitful future. Congregational discernment is complicated, but is a necessary part of leading a faith expression in the direction that God is directing.

External Consultation: Sometimes we need an outside voice to provide that objective perspective and guidance. In many cases, this is a new and difficult process that could use the guidance of a consultant that specializes in congregational discernment. Bringing in support can be the most responsible way to begin the process of large-scale discernment, especially in this vulnerable and emotionally charged situation.

Focus on Mission: Remember your church's and the denomination’s ultimate purpose. That mission should be an expression of the call God has placed on that church and its ministries, so it is a useful evaluative tool. If the current structure or ministries hinder this mission, it may be time to consider a new approach. 

While this process may lead a church or ministry into new, exciting directions and yield a phoenix-like story to inspire other congregations, it can also lead to difficult calls to let something gracefully end. This will understandably inspire grief, bargaining, anger, and depression within the leadership and congregation as a whole. If the decision is made to close a church or end a ministry, it's crucial to acknowledge that grief, anger, and loss will accompany this transition. Provide space for members to express their emotions, offer support and counseling, and celebrate the legacy and impact of the ministry. Don’t try to minimize or dismiss the feelings, but rather celebrate the history and past fruit of a church or ministry and be prepared to explain the discernment process and results in a calm, loving way.

Remember the words of Ecclesiastes 3:1, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." There is a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to build and a time to tear down. Discerning the end of a ministry can be a painful process, but it can also be an opportunity for new beginnings, renewed vision, and a deeper faithfulness to God's call. By approaching this process with courage, compassion, and a commitment to seeking God's will, churches can navigate the difficult decision of closure with grace and hope, trusting that God will continue to work in and through His people, even in the midst of change.