Resources for congregations including: leaving a legacy, final worship, legal requirements, and spiritual support as you find a new church home.
Resources
Files
Dying Well: The experience of Christ Lutheran, Agincourt, On - Outlines process and experience of a congregation in closing.
Holy Closure Project: Conversation Guide - This was created to help you reflect and respond to questions raised in the Holy Closure Project. This includes key concepts from the videos and questions.
Links
Collection of Denomination Resources – Good Friday Collective - This list was created from the Good Friday Collective and is a survey of resources from over 15 different denominations. These resources include liturgies, rules, best practices, case studies, books, articles, and guidance for congregations concluding ministry.
Holy Closure Project: Promo Video - This short video is a promo video for the ELCA Holy Closure Project which is a series of videos and resources to use with congregations.
Holy Closure Project: Introduction to Holy Closure - This video is part of the Holy Closure Project and features Pastor Danielle DeNise and storyteller Jason Chesnut. This video is anchor in Exodus 16 and shares theology around Holy Closure affirming it as a faith response to God’s work among us.
Holy Closure Project: Finding a New Church Home - This video is part of the Holy Closure Project and features Pastor CeCee Mills. This video explores the emotions and practical steps of find a new faith community after church closure.
Holy Closure Project: What Do We Do With Our Stuff - This video is part of the Holy Closure Project and features Pastor David Sprang. This video explores the practicalities of sharing our “stuff” at the time of closure including ideas of how to think about it as part of the congregation’s legacy.
Holy Closure Project: Rituals & Closing Worship - This video is part of the Holy Closure Project. This video encourages congregations to think about moments in this discernment that can accompanied by prayer, liturgy, and worship. This video features Deacon John Weit, Director of Worship & Bishop Kevin Strickland. The video also has ideas about how to help a congregation celebrate its final worship service.