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TN27 Saying good-bye to church members

First published on this website in December 2005 and last updated in August 2011

Words: 1200
Size: 129 kB
Categories: Management

Synopsis

This is an introduction to the issue of a church exit strategy.  What do churches do when people leave? If they are moving away, most churches do the right thing in saying good-bye. But what if they are transferring to the church down the road?

The notes provide a case study of Closeknit Community Church and then present four ideas and questions to help any church consider this matter properly.

  1. Read James 2:1-13 and consider whether you are guilty of favouritism
  2. Have a policy on rites of passage (with a range of practical ideas)
  3. Have a policy for those transferring to another local church
  4. Consider how not to miss those who are slipping away.

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To read or download this item, click here: PDF tn27.pdf

Comment on this item

Please comment and add to the debate by way of support, disagreement, experience, additional points to make, etc.

Monday 15 August 2011 9:24:46 am

John Truscott

These notes have been updated in August 2011 with minor alterations to the text.

Wednesday 02 February 2011 2:06:38 pm

Jo Lockyer

I'm not sure that I have any helpful suggestions to add other than to say that how people leave a church is tremendously important as it will probably be the last experience they have of the church and is likely to be the one they remember.

The most important thing is that the person is treated with thoughtfulness and grace by the church leadership. Not everyone wants a fanfare, but all like to know that they have been valued and should be sent on their way with blessing.

On a similar but less serious note, what about birthdays and other key life events for church members? In a large church, 'key' people sometimes have their birthdays mentioned from the front, but that does give the message to others that they are less important.

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