Know Your Options for a Future with Hope - Rev. Dr. Todd Yonkman. Episode 84.

When the energy, resources of a congregation have declined to a critical point, shame and blame often rear their ugly heads and morale sinks. People often think their only option is to cease operations – to close their doors. However, these conditions can hinder them from seeing other options – creative options. Hopeful options. Options in line with their purpose and mission as a community of faith.

In this episode titled, “Know Your Options for a Future with Hope,” Rev. Dr. Todd Yonkman, shares wisdom from his own experience about the details of some of these options and how they give authentic hope.

• When the energy gets low, churches often don’t know there are other options to closing;
• Thoughts on various options: merger restart, adoption, consolidation, redevelopment…;
• Barrier for vitality is shame and blame;
• Avoiding the “Twin Titanic” model (throwing a rope from one sinking congregation to another);
• Key to church mergers: learn to love other things together;
• The challenge of trying to do vitality work and consolidation work at the same time;