The Last Service Podcast
The Last Service Podcast explores the narratives of American churches that have closed, consolidated, or merged. But this isn’t a tale of despair; it’s a celebration of good endings, enduring legacies, and the courage to embrace new beginnings. American churches are closing at a pace faster than new ones are emerging, the need for thoughtful conversations around closures is more crucial than ever. By shedding light on the paths taken by these congregations, we aim to inspire and encourage church leaders facing difficult decisions. Every episode is a testament to the hope that lies in finishing with grace, faith, and a sense of the bigger story God is writing. So, whether you’re a pastor navigating the delicate balance of transition or a curious listener seeking wisdom from these poignant narratives, The Last Service Podcast is your haven for stories of faithful endings.
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
In this episode, Claire Bamberg shares wisdom learned from helping many congregations find a path forward. We learn about her process to guide churches in letting go of the past and embracing a new beginning. She is the founder of Potentials Customized Coaching and Consulting.
3 Takeaways for Dying Churches:
Churches must often die to bring about a new life of ministry. The new can't begin until the old church has been mourned and grieved.
Pastors, coaches, and consultants can't help a dying church by bringing a preconceived solution. They will not be accepted. The path forward must come from the church members.
Claire believes that mergers rarely work because it implies that one congregation is acquiring another. She prefers the term consolidation in which all parties contribute their unique resources.
She is an ordained minister, licensed mental health professional, certified mediator, professional certified coach (PCC, ICF), a systems and developmental theory expert, and consultant, She has worked with businesses, congregations, corporate structures, and individuals, internationally and domestically. Whether supporting a structural reorganization, teaching pastoral skills in a seminary, serving as the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization, or providing professional coaching support to executives, pastors, groups and teams, she loves facilitating growth and change towards new awareness, innovation, new beginnings and leadership development.
Her work focuses on congregational consolidations, vitality initiatives, conflict transformation, structural and strategic planning, and training the next generation of skilled professional coaches.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Potentials Customized Coaching and Consulting: https://potentials.us/
margaretwheatley.com
Credits
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/arend/lavenderLicense code: ZIXQF4BKKOTTJFRX
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
In this insightful episode of The Last Service Podcast, Matt sits down with Pastor Stephen Gray, the esteemed author of "Legacy Churches." Join us as we delve into the pages of Pastor Gray's book and explore his profound insights on the challenges and triumphs of legacy churches.
3 Takeaways for Dying Churches:
No individual local church lasts forever. Ending is not failing God. Existing without serving the Gospel is failure.
Pastors are not called to be private Chaplains to a dying congregation. Pastors should challenge their congregations to decide how to best use their resources for the Great Commission.
Considering a church building to be a Sacred Space is reminiscent of the Temple model of worship in the Old Testament.
📚 **Featured Guest: Pastor Stephen Gray**- Get ready for an engaging conversation with Pastor Stephen Gray, a seasoned pastor and the author of the impactful book "Legacy Churches."
🏛️ **Exploring Legacy Churches**- Pastor Gray provides profound insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by legacy churches. Discover the wisdom that comes from decades of experience in shepherding congregations and fostering spiritual growth.
🎙️ **Real-World Experience Helping Churches Close**- One of the highlights of the episode is Pastor Stephen Gray sharing his real-world experience in helping churches navigate the challenging process of closure. Gain valuable insights into the compassionate and practical aspects of closing a church, a topic rarely discussed openly.
📌 **Episode Highlights:**- Insights into why churches close and why they avoid closing.- Real-world experience helping churches navigate closure.- Key takeaways from Pastor Stephen Gray's book, "Legacy Churches."
Pastor Stephen Gray's insights and experiences are sure to leave a lasting impact on both clergy and congregants alike. Subscribe now for more engaging content on navigating the evolving landscape of faith and spirituality.
Stephen Gray's book "Legacy Churches" is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Churches-Stephen-Gray/dp/1889638781/ref=sr_1_1?crid=CBLDPI8VQ1PE&keywords=legacy+churches&qid=1706487065&sprefix=legacy+churches%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-1]
or by emailing us a lastservicepodcast@gmail.com
Credits
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/arend/lavenderLicense code: ZIXQF4BKKOTTJFRX
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
COMING SOON: The Last Service Podcast explores the narratives of American churches that have closed, consolidated, or merged. It's a celebration of good endings, enduring legacies, and the courage to embrace new beginnings.
Join us as we delve into the lives of these churches, sharing stories that resonate with wisdom, and a commitment to ending well. Every episode is a testament to the hope that lies in finishing with grace, faith, and a sense of the bigger story God is writing.
Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and stay tuned for our first episodes coming soon!
If you've been a part of a church closing or consolidation, I want to hear your story. Reach out to us at lastservicepodcast@gmail.com, and let your testimony be a source of inspiration for others navigating similar paths.