There are times when, for one reason or another, a local church will be concerned about its future. It is much better for these concerns to be voiced, rather than ignored. By raising these concerns, you are not admitting defeat or failure. You are fulfilling your obligations as church members by placing your situation before God in prayer, giving thanks for the devotion, service, and faith of those followers of Christ that went before you, and being open to where the Spirit may lead you next.

At such a time the church / elders’ meeting should share their concerns with the Synod Pastoral Committee who will support the church with prayer, advice and guidance as needed.

In the case of an LEP the principles included here will be of help, but the church will also need to include the Synod and/or County Denominational Ecumenical Officer and their equivalent in any partner denominations, in the conversations.

Even though this is called the ‘Church Closure Process’ taking the first step does not mean closing is inevitable. Raising the issue, having the conversations, and exploring possibilities may lead to starting on a new path rather than closure.

The process, and a Word version of the draft Resolution and Vacating a Church Building Checklist, are available here:

Docs and Policies – Eastern Synod of the United Reformed Church (urceastern.org.uk)