Leaving a Legacy
By Lenn Zeller, Director of Conference Care
Later in his life, the Apostle John was exiled to the island of Patmos because of his testimony for Christ. While he was there Christ gave him the great vision that we now know as the New Testament book of Revelation. Part of that vision included messages to seven first century churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia (not in Pennsylvania!) and Laodicea. All these churches were in different places spiritually, and Jesus spoke to them of their faith, works, witness, and weaknesses. What we learn is that each church was – and is – unique, and each is on a different path in their walk as a congregation with Christ.
We also learn that each congregation has its own life cycle. A congregation may last a long time, and may see many periods of dryness and renewal, many ups and downs over its lifetime. But, as Stephen Gray and Franklin Dumond say in their excellent book Legacy Churches*, “Remember, churches were not meant to last forever. While every local church came into existence to do God’s will and take part in His master plan, closing the doors does not stop the plan of God.” Not one of those seven New Testament congregations is in existence today! While it is very sad on some levels to see a beloved congregation draw to a close, it also provides a great opportunity for that congregation to leave a wonderful heritage. They can become a “Legacy Church!”
What is a “Legacy Church?” According to Gray and Dumond, “A Legacy Church is an aging congregation in the final stages of life that is in a position to pass on something of great significance to future generations.” They can pass on a great heritage of ministry and mission to succeeding generations, for example, by gifting their property and facilities to a new church start. A whole new ministry can be planted in that place! Or they can sell their assets and donate the proceeds to the Conference, to fund several new church starts, in their area or far beyond.
For more information, and help in evaluating whether or not your congregation is in the position of a “Legacy Church,” Gray and Dumond’s book mentioned above is a good place to start. The CCCC can offer help as well – we can offer prayer, conflict coaching and conciliation ministry, specialized intentional interim ministry to close with grace, and asset reinvestment counsel, often directed to Church Multiplication (church planting). We can also offer help in moving people to nearby CCCC congregations and/or other local evangelical churches.
The CCCC Director of Church Development, Dr. John Kimball, the Area Representative in that region, or the CCCC Director of Conference Care, Rev. Lenn Zeller, can come alongside a congregation to offer guidance and counsel. A Vicinage Council could also be gathered, involving experienced pastors and lay people in that area to come together to offer their collective wisdom. When a local congregation wanes and eventually ceases ministry, the wider, universal church of Christ continues on, and the “gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18) “Legacy Churches” have a unique opportunity to continue to contribute to Jesus’ Church long after their own congregation passes from existence!
* Legacy Churches, by Stephen Gray and Franklin Dumond. Published by ChurchSmart Resources, St. Charles, IL, 2009
