Featured Do we sell or we keep the bldg

Pastors are called to edify the saints and do the work of an evangelist, not to close their church down. My advice is to increase your missions giving by at least 500% and go outside the building to evangelize the unsaved in your town. Someone said God would put the angels on half rations to support those who will sacrifice for him and do his will. The way to get the financial support you need is to give your money away. God will show himself faithful if you pray for his guidance and for his wisdom.

It is a bad testimony for a church to fail when God has promised to provide for his people.

 

Has this congregation historically been as small as it is now?

Has Covid significantly dwindled your numbers?

How long ago was this congregation established?

How long has the congregation been in this building?

How has the congregation dealt with the lack of a heating system, during the cold months, historically?

 

A sad situation but not one that is beyond God's control. I have a feeling my church from my student days is heading in the same direction so I know that general words of hope might not be enough.

As others have said, God might have unexpected opportunities around the corner if you are willing to set aside traditions including location, timing and even worship format - what about meeting sometimes just for intercessory prayer for the church rather than the usual hymn-sermon sandwich? With 10 members the opportunity for real intimate fellowship beyond the crumbling four walls is much greater. Take a break together, go for a picnic, a walk... and have church wherever you find yourselves.

More practically, I don't know about the US but I know churches in India and the UK who have managed to find worship spaces in shopping malls (on the days they are closed), sports and community centres. Are there empty shop spaces that would appreciate some rental income on Sundays? A Christian small business owner?

If you want to keep the building in some way, is there any chance of finding a sympathetic (Christian) buyer who could let you keep using the basement at a generous rate while they refurbish the building for their own purposes?

 

Hit up another church and ask to borrow 415 families for 3 yrs

I know that’s how GARB Churches do it

 

i imagine people along the way of this church coming to be put their money on the line to buy this place as place to worship God and wonder if those attending now are those who made this investment or just those thinking about cashing it in. AND concerning stewardship of this property, WHY hasn't the place been painted in 20 years? How much is paint there? Are all your arms broke? I think I'd have issues with why many of these other poor conditions exist as well. Pretty sure I'd be thinking about the potential and my (failed?) responsibility of that $5,000 building rather than thinking it was my responsibility to unload for whatever I can get.

 

I suppose, that as a result of the prophecied "Falling Away", that I personally believe has been going on gradually in America for over 100 years; that there may well be fewer and fewer true-to-Christ churches that remain open.

It has long been my belief, that society will be degraded to the point that it despises the true-to-Christ churches and would welcome the Antichrist at our departure and his emergence.

It may be "Circle the Wagons" time.

By God's grace, to this point, there is still access to sound teaching, worship, and fellowship with some of the true-to-Christ churches through Livestream.

Members of dissolving churches, that can't find a close by church to join, can still in small groups meet and evangelize when they can, while also taking advantage of the Livestream option.

Our church Livestreams all of our services, as do many these days.

 

Maybe a little advertising for a few young men - and women - families who would like to take pride in restoring this church would go a long way. Might also send a message in the neighborhood that things are happening at this church.

A few 5 gallon buckets of paint and some elbow grease can go a long way. If the painting materials were to cost $1500 then you've already gained $8500 equity according to that "guesstimate". Often paint stores sell quality paint that has been miss-colored for very cheap. (They can also add a little color to these miss-colored to get it closer to what you want.)

 

When we were first starting out with our new church we met in a school gym. We did that for about four years. Would that be something that could work for you?

 

I’m curious, with the building in such bad condition, is there a chance it could be condemned as unusable?

peace to you

 

The Lord blessed us with a successful revitalization effort circa 1990. A church planting organization told us of a new location, and we brought on a young (mid 20's) Pastor who provided excellent bible based sermons. And the third blessing was another church without a building, offered us enough for our old building and allowed us to continue to use the facility (different days and times) with them for two years, which allowed us time to construct our new facility. But we went from about 50 to about 150 during the transition period, which provided the funds.

Your situation seems to be a different kettle of fish. Last point, scripture tells us first comes the spiritual rebirth, then the physical rebirth, so perhaps you are asking the wrong question.

May God bless

 

just a few reflections on skimming through this thread.


Because the building is not wood, then may I assume it is either block and or brick?

If I recall you are located west of Albany and are impacted by the lake snow that sweeps the west side of that state.

Therefore, I personally think that a three story building is worth far more than the realtor estimate. The raw land couldn’t be purchased for less than $15,000, and you have a renovate-able three story building on that land. That it is paid off, and there is value in both property and building is significant. The trustie(s) of the church need to meet with you for they are the final legal authorization folks. What are their thoughts?

It matters little what “shape” the building is in, if it I can be renovated, it is worth abundantly more.

Can you give a Zillow link with a street view?