So, my church - is planning on merging with another local church in the area.
The plan I suppose is to sell both buildings, and buy another building for us to meet in - even though our current has more than enough space for both congregations to meet in. Seems odd.
Anyway, I've really been struggling with this idea for some reason. The church that wants to merge with us seems like it would be taking a lot of the control - implementing their ministries, programs, staff, etc. We'd have both pastors, both secretaries, and their Youth Pastor because our church lost their Youth Pastor to another job.
In a way, I can see it as an answer to our situations. More people, more staff, probably more money to help with finances too.
Yet too, my heart feels sort of torn about the idea of merging churches. It feels like it's starting a new church completely, and almost makes me want to go to a new church completely, rather than be involved with all the work that it's going to take to transition. I imagine a lot of roles are going to be duplicated - and if there too many people on both sides, then some people would be sifted out.
Idk really - seems like a lot of work that I just don't feel like for some reason.
Have any of you been part of or seen church mergers?
Could maybe use some prayer that some bitter feelings towards this might go away.