Here are some suggested resources that have proven valuable to us over the years as we have researched the topic of closing churches. While we may not agree with everything the authors and speakers share, we believe the material is helpful and worth considering.
If you are aware of another resource that has been helpful to you, please email us with your suggestion. We may add it to this list so others can benefit as well.
Books:
Congregational Endings: A Best Practices Guide for Judicatory Leaders by Diane Kenaston & Lorrin Radzik – link to eBook: Congregational Endings
Ending With Hope: A Resource for Closing Congregations by Beth Ann Gaede
Toward the Better Country: Church Closure and Resurrection by L. Gail Irwin
The Last Pastor: Faithfully Steering a Closing Church by Gail Cafferata
Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive by Thom Rainer
Articles:
Respect, Challenges, and Stress among Protestant Pastors Closing a Church: Structural and Identity Theory Perspectives, Gail Cafferata, Pastoral Psychology (2017) 66:311–333
DOI 10.1007/s11089-016-0751-z
Podcasts, Websites, and Media:
The Last Service Podcast — https://www.lastservicepodcast.com