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by A. John Jr. Bischoff (Author)
Many churches are facing declining membership and resources to fulfill their mission and are at a loss as to what they can do to remain a vital ministry in their community. This book explains two options, that if done well can breathe new life into those once dying congregations. Merging or consolidating with other congregations is a wonderful way to grow and enhance ministry. While some churches decide to use all their money and resources until they close, I believe that merging or consolidating with other churches reflects better stewardship than burning through your money until you close. In this book I tell the story how United Lutheran Church was born out of a consolidation of 3 congregations who were all at risk of closing. We realized that we could be better together and use our assets for mission and ministry. While this book is not a "how to" step by step manual; it explains how we went through this process and why congregations might choose to come together to in order to continue fulfilling God's mission in your community. By sharing our story I hope it gives you examples of how your congregation may consolidate or merger with another congregation. This book is all about mission, about doing ministry. It is NOT about merely surviving as a congregation.
