Every ministry in your church probably started with some vision, excitement, and hope for the future. But ministries like churches have a life-cycle and that means ministries have to or need to die at some point. How do you handle the end of a ministry in your church? What do you do?
First, unless there is an abrupt ending such as a church split that leaves few people behind who carry the old vision of the church, there are usually warning signs. For example, needed staff for that ministry cannot be found. People are just not volunteering for helping that ministry succeed, even when asked nicely. Another reason might be the church no longer has the money or resources needed to sustain a once popular program. Still another might be that the demographics of the community have changed over time so that a ministry is no longer needed. Whatever the reason(s), prayerfully evaluate if a ministry or change is needed. Get the stakeholders who are leaders in that ministry involved in the evaluation. (Note: others who are not involved in that ministry must also participate, otherwise a denial in reality might prevail resulting in a misguided decision to continue.)
Next, develop a short-term plan to end the ministry on a positive note. A short-term plan may last up to three months or conclude on a normal ending point such as the conclusion of a school year on May or June. The plan needs to include special celebration of God working during the life of the ministry through such things as answered prayers and new people being reached with the Good News of the gospel. Celebrations might include a special all-church banquet or a short series of testimonies during worship services. Be sure to honor those who helped to lead the ministry that is concluding. Share the good memories from that ministry or program.
Also, meet with or visit the key ministry leaders who helped to make the concluding ministry part of the life of the church. Express your gratitude and share what new things might be coming from the conclusion of that ministry. Have a prayer of thanksgiving with them and then send a handwritten note of thanks to show your appreciation.
Help people who were a vital part of the old ministry to find a new ministry niche where their spiritual gifts and passion can be used in a new and fresh way. Help them replace grief with the joy of the Lord in a new and fresh way.
Sometimes it will be appropriate to just let the old ministry die. And remember that a definition of insanity is just doing the same things over and over again the same way while expecting different results.
God may be allowing the Covid-19 pandemic to help churches become more effective at making disciples and expanding the Kingdom of God, and part of this new "crisis" may require the intentional conclusion of some ministries so that the church's time and resources may be redirected to reach more people. Be alert about such opportunities in your church.
Hear again the words of Jesus in John 12:24 – "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."
Photo by Maddy Baker on Unsplash