Churches Ending Well

Where it is necessary and appropriate for work to end, it
ENDS WELL and enables re-creation

Our vision: When a church in its current form appears to be coming to an end and the congregation discern that it is time to end well, this will be recognised as a natural part of the ecosystem of a Connexional church and not a failure.
Chapels which have previously been used by congregations which are Ending Well will always be thoroughly evaluated to discern their future based on their missional, community and financial value.

Congregations started by St Paul and other apostles no longer meet. This does not make them failures – we are part of their enduring legacy. Being church for such a time as this includes starting, ending and reshaping the ways and places in which we gather.

Key challenges will be:

• Ending Well requires investment of time, careful listening and not being rushed, and can stir up powerful feelings of grief for all involved
• It is likely that many of our churches or pieces of work within these will face questions about whether to end well in the next few years
• Churches of all denominations in economically marginalised or geographically isolated communities may be at greater risk of ending
• Many churches are reliant on small numbers of people, meaning that their confidence about the future can change suddenly
• Allowing time for creative repurposing can place additional burdens on ordained ministers and circuit officers

To enable this District will:

Support ending well:

• Tell positive stories in district communications of churches which have Ended Well

Support creative repurposing and restarts:

• Provide guidance for robust mission-aligned decisions about future uses of chapel premises, incorporating matters of inclusion and justice-seeking. Find out how
• Make available district staff to walk alongside circuits exploring and implementing new uses for chapel premises
• Provide grants towards repurposing of chapel premises and/or recruitment of pioneers to start new churches in these places. Find out how