The Last Service Podcast

From Closure to a Place of Hope with Bruce Deel

In this powerful episode of The Last Service Podcast, Matt sits down with Bruce Deel, CEO of City of Refuge, to explore an extraordinary story of transformation. Originally tasked with closing Mission Church at 14th Street, Bruce found himself in the midst of a divine calling to revitalize the church into a thriving ministry center. Discover how compassion, trust, and a willingness to adapt led to a vibrant community that continues to serve Atlanta's most vulnerable populations.
3 Key Takeaways:
Embrace the Unexpected: Sometimes what feels like the end is just the beginning of a divine redirection. Bruce Deel walked into Mission Church expecting to close its doors, but instead, God revealed the needs of the community right outside their door. If your church feels like it's in its final chapter, don't underestimate the power of a single act of obedience or a moment of compassion. 
Be with and choose to trust first: ministry often lies beyond the walls of comfort. Bruce and his family moved into a 65-year-old church building to live among those they served. His story is a powerful reminder that loving people where they are—and showing up every day with open hearts—can ignite the kind of transformation that brings new life to a church.
Redefine Church Through Acts of Compassion: When Mission Church shifted its focus from traditional services to meeting the practical needs of the hurting, it blossomed into a beacon of hope. They attracted new members by meeting needs rather than new worship or programs. For churches struggling to find their way, the answer might not be in the next program or a new strategy but in stepping into the mess of real life, offering a meal, a bed, a prayer—creating a space where the vulnerable and the broken are welcome.  That sort of crowd may not be able to tithe much, but if your church is on the brink of closure... what do you have to lose?
Resources:
www.cityofrefugeatl.org

Grace Bible Fellowship with Michelle Van Loon

In this episode of The Last Service Podcast, author and speaker Michelle Van Loon discusses the realities of church closures, the challenges of leadership, and how congregations can embrace endings with faith and wisdom. Michelle shares insights from her Plough article "A Good Death for Dying Churches" and her personal experiences with church transitions, including the closure of Grace Bible Fellowship.
Three Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ Prioritize Discipleship Over Mere Survival – Michelle emphasizes that churches facing closure should focus on shepherding their members through the transition, viewing the process as an opportunity for discipleship rather than solely striving to keep the institution alive.
2️⃣ Church Self-Awareness Matters—Some churches are founded on a reaction to past experiences rather than a sustainable vision. Grace Bible Fellowship's close friendships, relational style, and consensus decision-making were in stark contrast to its abrupt ending.
3️⃣ Closure Needs Pastoral Care – Ending a church should be a deeply intentional and pastoral process, not a rushed decision. Grieving members need guidance, and there are growing resources to help communities close well.
🔗 Learn more about Michelle’s work at MichelleVanLoon.com and explore her reflections on church transitions in her Plough article: "A Good Death for Dying Churches".
🎧 Listen in as we discuss how churches can navigate the end of their life cycle with grace, care, and discipleship at the center.
#ChurchLeadership #Discipleship #ChurchClosure #FaithfulEndings #MichelleVanLoon #TheLastServicePodcast

The Neighborhood Church: Revitalizing Ministry Where It Matters Most with Sam Rainer

In this episode of the Last Service Podcast, Matt welcomes Sam Rainer, pastor, church consultant, and president of Church Answers, for a candid discussion about the state of the American church. Together, they explore the challenges facing congregations today, from declining membership to generational shifts in engagement. Sam shares actionable insights on how churches can revitalize, stay relevant, and impact their local communities. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or member, this episode is packed with wisdom to inspire and guide your ministry.
Key Takeaways:
Community-Centered Ministry: Churches thrive when they shift focus from attracting crowds to deeply engaging their local neighborhoods.
Opportunities for Mid-Sized Churches: With the decline of the mega-church movement, mid-sized churches hold untapped potential for growth and generational outreach.
Breaking the Decline Cycle: Strategic reinvention, mergers, and prioritizing multi-ethnic ministry can help churches overcome decline and build a sustainable future.
Topics Discussed:
Sam’s personal journey from business to ministry
The purpose and tools offered by Church Answers
Key challenges facing American evangelical churches today
The rise of Gen Z’s religious commitment and its implications for church leadership
The importance of multi-ethnic ministry in a changing demographic landscape
Strategies for mid-sized churches to grow and serve their communities
How to navigate the end of a church lifecycle with grace and kingdom purpose
Quotes from the Episode:
“The church is not a destination for crowds; it’s a vehicle to go to your neighborhood and the nations.” – Sam Rainer
“You can grow a church so inward that it dies. The Great Commission must always be at the forefront.”
“Breaking the church lifecycle requires intentional renewal and reinvention, one step at a time.”
Resources Mentioned:
Church Answers – Tools, coaching, and resources for church revitalization and growth
Graphs About Religion by Ryan Burge – Website
The Surprising Return of the Neighborhood Church by Sam Rainer
Connect with Us:
Visit our website for more episodes and resources: lastservicepodcast.com
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Potluck Episode: Season 1 Recap with Matt and Maureen

🎙️ Episode HighlightsIn this special recap episode, host [Matt] reflects on the journey through Season 1 of The Last Service Podcast. Joined by his wife, Maureen, they dive into the heart of the podcast’s mission—exploring church closures, transitions, and the faithful endings that can lead to new beginnings.
✨ Key Topics Covered:
Season Favorites:
Episode 5: The heartfelt story of Rehoboth Presbyterian in Atlanta.
Conversations with churchrealty.com's John Muzyka on the pastoral care side of realty.
Insights from Bob Smeitana and Mark Elsdon on church decline in America.
Legal knowledge from Erika Cole and the Good Friday Collaborative episodes.
Lessons Learned:
The role of pastoral care in closures.
How demographic and cultural shifts impact churches.
The importance of self-awareness and community support in navigating change.
Personal Reflections:
Matt shares insights from guiding a non-profit closure and the power of intentional endings.
Key takeaways: "Thank you, I love you, I’m sorry, I forgive you."
💡 Why ListenWhether you’re navigating a church transition, a non-profit leader, or simply curious about the dynamics of faithful endings, this recap offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice.

Season Finale with Bob Smietana

In this powerful season finale, Matt sits down with the legendary religion news reporter and author Bob Smietana to explore the pressing realities facing churches today. From demographic shifts to the challenges of revitalization, Bob shares insights from his acclaimed book, Reorganized Religion, and personal experiences with church closures. This episode is packed with heartfelt stories, actionable insights, and a message of hope for communities navigating change.
Key Topics Covered:
The decline of church attendance: What's driving the numbers?
Demographic and cultural changes impacting church vitality.
Stories of resilience: Churches finding new purposes through partnerships and creativity.
When it's time to close: The emotional and practical realities.
Bob’s personal reflections on his own church's closure.
Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss:
[5:15] Why the American church boom of the mid-20th century is over.
[15:50] The “Walmart effect” of church consolidation and its impact on smaller congregations.
[28:30] What makes a “good ending” for a church, and how planning ahead can make all the difference.
[35:40] Heartwarming stories of community and music from Bob’s former church.
[46:10] How one pastor helped his congregation embrace closure with dignity.
3 Key Takeaways:
1. churches are closing mainly due to changes in demographics and society.  What worked to grow churches in prior decades no longer works, and it is often difficult for churches with older buildings to adapt to a new environment.
2. It's better when a church's building, property, and assets stay connected to the mission when transferring ownership.
3. Bob reports on and has written about many churches that have closed.  When he and his wife experienced a closing with the congregation they cared about, they experienced a sense of loss and grief.  But they also felt sent forth by a community that helped shape their lives.  Maybe a church can still be about sending long after it has stopped being able to bring people into a building.
Resources Mentioned:
Reorganized Religion: The Reshaping of the American Church and Why it Matters by Bob Smietana
The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis
The Good Friday Collabrative's 5 Stages of Church Closure
Share this episode with friends and fellow churchgoers to spark meaningful conversations about the future of faith communities.
 
 

What's Next? Lessons from a Successful Merger with Rev. Dr. Katie Nix and Rev. Dr. Phil Blackwell

In this episode of The Last Service Podcast, Matt dives into a conversation with Reverend Dr. Katie Nix and Reverend Dr. Phil Blackwell, pastors who led two congregations through a unique journey of merger and renewal. They share the incredible challenges and blessings of bringing together two legacy churches into a unified, mission-focused community. This merger took place amidst the complexities of the pandemic, highlighting the resilience, adaptability, and faith that fueled their journey.
Dr. Nix and Dr. Blackwell explore what they learned in this process, from honoring each congregation's history to forging a shared vision for the future. They discuss practical insights into measuring success beyond traditional metrics, fostering a welcoming environment, and asking questions that prompt creative, forward-thinking ministry. Their story offers inspiring takeaways for church leaders, members, and anyone invested in the future of faith communities.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace Legacy with Purpose – The success of University and Grace UMC's merger hinged on respecting the legacies of each congregation while building a unified identity that serves both past and future communities.
Measure Success Beyond Numbers – Traditional metrics like attendance are important but don't paint the whole picture; focus also on creating spaces for spiritual growth, and meaningful community impact.
Ask Courageous Questions for Renewal – Continuously revisit your church's mission and ask, "What is God calling us to do next?" Embracing imagination and openness can reveal new paths for ministry and outreach.
Listen to The Doctors are In and the story of Grace UMC's merger with University UMC here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-doctors-are-in/id1706168185
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kathryn-nix/episodes/The-Doctors-Are-In--S3-E2-A-Pastors-Perspective-on-Our-Church-Merger-e2q3mt6

Pastoral Transitions with Matt Davis

In this episode of The Last Service Podcast, we dive into the profound journey of pastoral transitions with Matt Davis, host of the Life After Ministry Podcast. Matt shares his personal experiences of stepping away from ministry after a moral failure and navigating life outside the church. This episode explores the emotional and logistical challenges pastors face when leaving a church and provides guidance on managing these transitions with grace and support. Davis's story is a testament to resilience and purpose, reminding us that even in difficult seasons, there is potential for growth and reorientation.
Key Takeaways:
Creating Compassionate Exits – Matt emphasizes that churches must prioritize compassion and dignity during pastoral exits, advocating for "kingdom outplacement." By offering structured support like coaching, counseling, and resume assistance, churches can model Christ-like love and compassion in difficult seasons.
Provide Financial and Emotional Support – Financial insecurity frequently accompanies pastoral exits, leaving pastors in challenging positions when they are let go or the church closes. Be generous with severance and communicate with compassion. 
The value of third party help - Difficult transitions for pastors or congregations at the end of their life can benefit from third party wisdom and guidance.  Bringing in a third party, like Pastoral Transitions, demonstrates a commitment to all people involved and a determination to end well.
Additional Topics Covered:
The spiritual struggle pastors face in redefining their sense of calling
How structured transitions can contribute to healthier, more unified churches
Insights on how churches can foster transparency and support during challenging pastoral changes
Resources:
www.pastoraltransitions.com
Life After Ministry Podcast

Leading Church Closure with Courage, Part 2 - with Rev. Lorrin Radzik

In this powerful episode of The Last Service Podcast, Matt continues his conversation with Reverend Lorrin Radzik as they explore the complexities of church closures. Lorrin shares her personal journey of closing multiple churches and the unique challenges faced when congregations are forced to confront their own mortality. Together, they dive into how pastors can lead through difficult decisions, the role of a daycare ministry, and the emotional toll of these transitions. Yet amidst the grief, Lorrin uncovers the hopeful message of resurrection within the church’s final days.
Listeners will be inspired by the candid discussion of what it means to lead faithfully, even when the end is near, and how to embrace new beginnings in unexpected places.
Key Takeaways:
Resurrection Beyond Closure: Lorrin explains that even when churches close, their ministry can live on through community connections, spiritual legacies, and even new congregations inhabiting former spaces.
The Emotional Toll of Church Decline: The episode explores the grief and anger that often accompany church closures, highlighting the resilience required of pastors to navigate these emotional waters with compassion and courage.
Reframing Success: Church closure doesn’t mean failure. Matt and Lorrin discuss how honoring a church’s history and legacy can help members find peace in knowing they fulfilled their mission.

Leading Church Closure with Courage, Part 1 - with Rev. Lorrin Radzik

In this raw and insightful episode, Matt sits down with Rev. Lorrin Radzik, a United Methodist pastor with a powerful story of navigating the complexities of ministry, church closure, and personal growth. Lorrin shares her experience leading a struggling congregation in Wisconsin, where she guided the church through the challenging decision to close after decades of decline. Her journey, filled with difficult conversations, resilience, and ultimate closure, offers deep insights into the reality of pastoral leadership and church vitality.
Key Takeaways:
The Impact on PastorsLorrin was placed in an impossible situation with unrealistic expectations at an early and critical time in her career.  At times, she questioned her calling and ability.  Young pastors rarely reverse the outcome of a dying church.  Search committees and denominational officials must consider the long-term impact on a young minister's career when placed in a declining church, or at least be straightforward about the church's history and stage of life.  
Leading with Transparency and CourageThroughout the process, Lorrin demonstrated the importance of being honest with congregants about the church's future, even when it was difficult. Her story highlights the necessity of courageous leadership, especially in times of crisis.  Lorrin confronted denial and anger in her congregation while still recognizing their faithfulness.
Closure as a Faithful DecisionWhile closing a church might seem like a failure, Lorrin reframes it as an act of faithfulness. She emphasizes that sometimes, the most faithful thing a church can do is to close, passing its legacy and resources on to a new community for future ministry.
Resources:
http://www.revlorrinradzik.com/
https://www.goodfridaycollaborative.com/
https://nationalhmongcaucusumc.weebly.com/

The Benediction: A Pastor's Guide to Church Closures

In this compelling episode of The Last Service Podcast, host Matt interviews Dave Meserve, an experienced transitional pastor who has guided multiple churches through the difficult process of closing. Dave shares powerful stories and invaluable insights on how to approach church closures with compassion, wisdom, and a focus on spiritual health.
Key Points:
Dave's unique journey from traditional ministry to becoming a "pastor at large" and transitional leader
The importance of addressing "faith ceilings" and allowing for spiritual growth in church leadership
Detailed accounts of two non-denominational church closures Dave facilitated
The critical role of trust-building and transparent communication during church transitions
How to create meaningful closing ceremonies that honor a church's history and provide closure
The significance of "staying for the benediction" - finding blessing in the ending process
Insights on matching pastoral leadership styles to church size and growth goals
The value of diverse leadership teams, including both men and women
Understanding churches as relationships with natural lifespans
Quotes: "Don't leave before the benediction - there's a blessing if you stay to the end." - Dave Meserve "Churches have lifespans. They have beginnings, long middles we hope, and ends." - Dave Meserve
Keywords: church closure, transitional pastor, faith ceiling, non-denominational churches, church leadership, pastoral care, church ceremonies, spiritual health, church size dynamics, diverse leadership, church lifespan
This episode offers essential guidance for church leaders, pastors, and congregants facing potential church closures or significant transitions. Dave Meserve's experiences provide a roadmap for approaching these challenging situations with grace, intentionality, and a focus on long-term spiritual wellbeing.