Ending with Hope: A Resource for Closing Congregations [Paperback]

Beth Ann Gaede (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2002

"Why is it we do funerals so well but often balk at even recognizing the death of a congregation? Couldn’t we do grief ministry and funerals as well for social groups as we do for individuals?" challenges Gilson Waldkoenig, in his seminary classes. Waldkoenig, associate professor of church in society at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, contributes his special insights on the subject of church endings, in this unique and important book.

Ending with Hope grows out of the understanding that although closing a congregation is in many ways about dying, it can also be about new life. Closing a congregation does not have to be about failure but can be about redirecting resources for new ministry.

Contributors represent eight denominations and include more than a dozen pastors, lay leaders, judicatory staff, and others who have "been there"—who have helped congregations through the painful closing process. Resources include models for assessing whether a congregation should close; reflections on members’ and pastors’ experiences during closing; case studies; guidance for deciding what to do with a building; suggestions for selecting and preserving documents and artifacts; rituals for healthy closings; a survey of historical trends regarding closings; and other helpful materials.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Ending with Hope fills a gap in congregational leadership literature. This book...demonstrates a fundamental theological theme: resurrection follows death." -- Robert D. Dale, Director, Center for Creative Church Leadership Development

"This book provides an excellent, hands-on resource for congregations facing the tough decision—to close or not to close." -- Robert K. Welsh, President, Council on Christian Unity

About the Author

Beth Ann Gaede has been an editor with the Alban Institute since 1995. A pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, she works as a freelance editor and writer for a variety of church-related publishers. She is editor also of Congregations Talking about Homosexuality (1998)and Size Transitions in Congregations (2001).

Product Details

• Paperback: 173 pages
• Publisher: Alban Inst (June 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156699263X
• ISBN-13: 978-1566992633
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #655,863 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dying well can be a faithful option, October 12, 2005

By 

Karen "revitup" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ending with Hope: A Resource for Closing Congregations (Paperback)

Cultural shifts and increasing financial burdens are placing tremendous pressures on small congregations in North America. While transformation or redevelopment will be possible in some cases, many small churches face the real possibility of closure in their near future. Sadly, there is very little helpful guidance for these churches, their leaders, and their pastors as they confront this reality. This book stands in this breach. It provides insight from pastors, denominational leaders, and in-depth reasearch on how congregations can put closure on the table as a potential HEALTHY option for struggling churches. Instead of seeing closure as defeat, failure, or disgrace the authors in this anthology suggest that closing may, in fact, release a congregation's gifted members, spiritual heritage, and real assests for new ministry and new life for all involved. Highly recommended for congregational leaders or for denominational staff working with congregations facing issues of long-term viability.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great resource for closings, September 8, 2009

By 

Ann R. Wertz (Dubuque IA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ending with Hope: A Resource for Closing Congregations (Paperback)

This is a great resource for congregations that are closing. It has info for urban and rural settings. The examples are recent and relative. Many good contributors and resources referenced. In this difficult task of closing churches, it is so important to reconcile and offer hope to all involved, that is a huge part of what makes us Christian. This book offers ways to accomplish this. Ending with hope is indeed a goal.

5.0 out of 5 stars Important ministry, October 16, 2011

By 

Meg (Chicago) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ending with Hope: A Resource for Closing Congregations (Paperback)

When my congregation started to talk about closing I looked for books to help with the entire process and this is one of two books I found on the topic of "church closure". There is so much that goes into the ministry of Ending With Hope and I am glad the Albin Institute sees that something had to be written to help pastors and lay leaders in this ministry. This book helps through most of the process. Starting with how to go through discernment and vote to some of the emotional and spiritual issues that come up, finding new church homes, selling the building and giving away the assets, merging with another congregation... There are chapters that look at the process from different perspectives: member, pastor and synod. Very helpful. At the very least, it will make you feel like you are not alone and that closing a congregation is sometimes that best way to live out the gospel.