Relocating the Church

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Relocating the Church

• By
• Dr. Tom Cheyney, Executive Director of Missions

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Looking Back

• It is easier to relocate a new church then an
  existing one.
• You get smarter when you are in the middle of the
  relocation than you are at the beginning.
• Most church relocations are the result of a
  communities rapid expansion and the church is
  swallowed up. It is time to either relocate, buy
  extra land or begin the process of downsizing the
  present ministry.

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Let me tell you about Northwood Baptist Church!

• Originally it was a subdivision built church
  nestled within a particular area of WPB.
• The community began to shift and the church
  either had to relocate or begin the process of
  downsizing.
• It was a strong mid-size church but in order for
  it to continue to grow it had to either move or
  start satellite services somewhere else.
• It had become landlocked and was overflowing its
  facilities.

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Let me tell you about Northwood Baptist Church!

• Usually one of the first tell tail signs is that
  parking becomes a problem and needs to be
  addressed right away.
• A hand full of key lay leaders were willing to
  address relocation.
• After months of real hard work they moved forward
  and began the process of relocation.

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Introduction

• Reasons for relocation
• Resources for relocation
• Resolve during relocation
• Results of relocation

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You must realize that you will face intense
conflict to accompany any significant change
process that points you toward relocation!
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Inventory

• 10 Year Profile
• Fresh Visioning Process
• Strategic Planning Model

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Solutions For Limiting Factors
Progress Toward Gods Vision
Strategic Planning Model
GODS VISION
CURRENT REALITY
Plan Backwards
Identify Limiting Factors
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Initiation

• Share with the church Gods Vision.
• Share the current reality.
• Outline major steps to reach Gods Vision.
• Keep the focus on the Purpose, Values, Vision.

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Implementation

• Proclaim a day of prayer and fasting.
• Elect teams to direct the process.
• Property Needs Team
• Property Acquisition Team
• Capital Funds Team
• Spiritual Emphasis Team
• Building/Campus Needs Team
• Clearly delineate team assignments and
  accountability. Make regular progress reports to
  the church.

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Along my journey, my good planning encouraged me!

• My ignorance humbled me.

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Some Things I Learned Along the Way!

• Seek the advice of others often! (Moses asked
  Jethro over and over again Exodus 18)
• Begin to cultivate early a strong sense of
  Biblical urgency. Churches usually do not address
  problems until they are too late. By then it
  swamps the boat. Jesus parables are a great
  place to start as an antidote to inertia.

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Some Things I Learned Along the Way!

• Preaching, teaching, organized prayer meetings
  for the specific purpose of relocation, special
  events, and personal testimonies can quicken a
  churches heartbeat to take the next step of
  faith.
• Sadly, complacency remains par for the course in
  most members during relocation projects.
  Avoiding such malady is critical.

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Some Things I Learned Along the Way!

• Identify and mobilize your key lay leaders.
  Enlist the support of your strong influencers.
  Get your early adopters and apostles moving the
  congregation forward.
• Dont use up your time placating and cajoling
  those who are fearful of the move. Keep your
  focus on the focus, and your hand on the
  throttle!

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Some Things I Learned Along the Way!

• Continually highlight the primary reason for the
  relocation is for kingdom purposes and values. (A
  good resource is Tom Brandys book, Moving Off
  the Map.)
• Expect Spiritual Warfare! It is an indication
  that God is at work.
• Relocation pits the value of self-interest
  against the value of community outreach and
  expansion.

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Some Things I Learned Along the Way!

• Remember as a leader, it is better to not
  internalize the criticism but to see it for what
  it is a spiritual matter.
• Be careful to not get too far ahead of the pack.
  Keep as many as possible informed along the way.
  It is painful to move so give ample time for the
  grieving process to occur. (A good resource is
  Bill Bridges book Managing Transitions.) He has
  given a three step process for letting go and
  embracing the future.

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Incidentals

• Decide on a firm budget for phase one.
• Dont forget to include impact fees,
  inspections, fill for property, underground
  drainage, lift stations for sewage, parking lots,
  fire plugs, civil engineering, surveying,
  utilities, landscaping, furnishings, etc.
• Add 10 to your final estimate.
• Employ a project coordinator.

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Incidentals Continued

• Expect delays in the zoning process.
• Begin relating to your new neighbors.
• Preach messages on faith, sacrifice, unity,
  pulling together and reaching the unchurched.
• Stay on your knees!
• Find ways to deal with stress and stay
  spiritually fresh.

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Remember, Your Deacons Can Help!

• Deacons should be sensitive to your pastor.
• Deacons should be ready to handle objections and
  concerns.
• Deacons should stay positive.
• Deacons can help keep the focus on the purpose
  TO MAKE DISCIPLES!
• Deacons should set the pace in sacrificial
  giving.

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Design a transition process to help members let
go of what they know and love before asking them
to embrace the uncertain future!
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Wrapping it up!

• The ideas that we have shared are certainly not
  the only pieces of advice that could be rendered.
• Each setting demands a careful diagnostic
  assessment so that leaders can design a practical
  and relevant process.
• It is always easier looking back then seeing the
  challenges as they confront us. Hindsight is
  always 20/20.