ENDING WITH GRACE

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Course Overview:

Learn from pastors and judicatory leaders who have walked with congregations as they end their ministry.
After completing the course, you will:
  • Understand strategies and rules for meaningful and legal closing.
  • Learn how theologies of place and journey affect closure.
  • Know how conflict and respect shape a closing.
  • Discover how closing a church can be either a Good Friday or an Easter experience.


Walking with a congregation as it closes its doors is a unique experience layered with grief, legal and practical issues, sometimes conflict, and the question, "Where is God in the closing of a congregation?" This course draws on the experience of pastors who have prepared case studies based on their walk with congregations that have closed.

Preview, Instructors & Contributors

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For both clergy and lay faith leaders

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Instructor
     Rev. Peter Soli
Contributors
     Gail Cafferata and Deacon Erin Power 

HYBRID LEARNING: Our blended learning approach enables self-paced study alongside structured instruction and personalized support. Our six-session curriculum begins and concludes with live sessions, while the intervening weeks allow for self-paced learning with interaction among colleagues and instructors.
CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS INCLUDED: Participants who wish to earn 2.4 CEU’s are expected to attend the scheduled sessions and engage in providing responses and feedback to the course materials. The CEU's are awarded by Dialog Works and Wartburg Seminary. Those students who enroll in the other three courses in the Engaging God’s Future series will be eligible for the Small Congregation Specialist certificate.

Course Schedule

WEEK 1

Let's Get Started
Live Session

We begin with a live, interactive cohort session. This is your chance to meet your fellow learners and dive right into the course material. We ask "What is closing?" and view the documentary "Delafield" - the closing of a rural congregation.

WEEK 2

Steps to Closing a Congregation
Self-paced

Uncover the key closing steps and their sequence. In this unit, explore voting, leaving a legacy, property, cemeteries, and more. Join Deacon Erin Power as she shares her valuable experiences from working with seven congregations closing in North Dakota.

WEEK 3

Faithfully Steering a Closing Congregation  (Pt. 1)  Self-paced

Gail Cafferata, the author of “The Last Pastor,” recounts her journey of closing a congregation and delves into her research on pastors who close churches. Drawing from her background as a sociologist, pastor, and theologian, she weaves together her expertise to share her insights.

WEEK 4

Faithfully Steering a Closing Congregation (Pt. 2) Self-paced

Gail continues to share her insights from her research and personal journey of closing a congregation. She offers guidance and wisdom to help navigate this challenging process, inspiring hope and resilience in the face of difficult transitions. 

WEEK 5

Two Case Studies
Self-paced

Before Pastor Joel’s arrival, the congregation held six votes on closing, with the final vote falling short by a single vote. Joel explains the change when they realized they could close their church honorably. Pastor Rachael shares the inspiring story of Highland Lutheran as it concluded their ministry with grace and dignity.

WEEK 6

Final Projects
Live Session

For your final project, you'll share your thoughts on how the course has influenced your ministry. You'll also listen to a colleague's review and share your insights with each other.


When is this course offered?

The next session of Ending with Grace will start:

Thursday, July 10
9:00-11:00 a.m. CT

This course final session will be:

Thursday, August 14
9:00-11:00 a.m. CT

View all the Course Offerings HERE

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