Closing Activity (PDF)
Even if congregational members are ready to close the church and give the resources toward a new, missional vision, there’s still concern about what will happen to the people of the congregation. Where will these congregational members worship now? What happens to their membership?
This document is intended to answer several important and frequently asked questions.
Question: What is the role of the classis?
Answer: As noted in Church Order Supplement, Article 38-d (pp. 70-72), “When a council and congregation decide to disband (or revert to unorganized status), the approval of classis is required. If any distribution of assets is required, the congregation and council shall consult with classis.”
It is consistent with this official role of classis that the leaders of the disbanding congregation also would request the counsel and assistance of classis regarding the transfer of memberships and the pastoral care of the members during this period of transition.
If a congregation reverts to unorganized status, it would come under the care of a neighboring council designated by classis (see Article 38-d).
Question: What will happen to my membership? Where will my “papers” be held?
Answer: When a church disbands, care needs to be given to transferring memberships to a neighboring church or churches. The general pattern is for the disbanding congregation to obtain agreement from a neighboring CRC council to receive their memberships, with the understanding that individuals may choose to have their membership transferred to another local CRC congregation of their choice at any time.
Question: Who will provide pastoral care for me—a member of the church that’s closing?
Answer: The disbanding congregation may be able to provide pastoral care and/or request the assistance of classis for a transitional period with the understanding that as soon as membership transfers are effected, pastoral care will be provided by the receiving church(es).
Question: What questions should I be asking right now?
Answer: Few of us seek out change. Seasons of transition are often wilderness times. We feel disoriented and disappointed. But transitional seasons are also often times when God does his best work in our lives. With an elder or trusted friend, reflect on some of the following questions in confidence that God is and will be with you during this time.
- Do you have a sense for what God’s calling you to do and to be in your next congregation?
- What’s most important to you as you search for a new community of faith to be a part of?
- How will you know, after moving your membership to your new church, that you’ve made the right decision?