I have been doing a bit of reading and thinking (at the same time - see, I can multi-task!) and have been amazed at the various retail strategies that exist when customer numbers (and therefore sales) drop.
Some look at the failing branches and close them in an attempt to stop the haemorrhaging of money. By doing so they consolidate any money they have and ensure that they get 'value for their buck'. No more throwing good money after bad but they are 'stopping the rot' (and every other euphemism you can lay your hands on) that can logically appear in this setting. What doesn't readily appear is the fact that when this is done, the company accepts that, except in exceptional circumstances, there will be no return to the places they leave.
Others look at sending in new management teams to try to rescue the floundering outlet. They bring in trouble-shooters who will cut costs, stack the shelves high, cut staffing and other costs to the bone and sell as cheaply as they can whilst still making a profit. In this model it's all about cashflow and volumes will do the trick nicely. Not only that but they will, if the exercise works, still have their network of outlets and this exposure reflects itself in the market share.
So, which model do we look to using with our churches I wonder? I keep hearing of places that cannot meet the parish share and therefore cannot afford clergy and therefore are not considered viable and therefore face redundancy. (sorry, 'therefore' key stuck). So, we close them and in so doing we hope that the customer base (sorry, congregation) will move up, down or over to the nearest still open church building. Here's the rub, for many who have lost their 'little' church (especially their 'little' rural church) are also 'lost' to the church too! Yes indeedy, you've lost the majority of the customer base who will merely be exchanging the church product for 'Songs of Praise' and the annual Easter and Christmas outings (if you're blessed that is). The reality is (and I have asked people about this) that many just stop going to church. they descend into a personal faith which is neither nurtured nor shared - all in the name of fiscal prudence.
So, what about sending in the management teams? I recall reading about HTB (Holy Trinity Brompton) putting a church plant team into a failing branch of the CofE chain in Brighton. Now this is a better model because I strongly believe that if we have people who are in a church and burning with the Gospel, people will come and watch them burn! We need to be replicating the positive business models (and not be afraid to close where there is no other option, but we must try the options first) in out quest for successful churches across this land. We need Biblical integrity not attempts to look merely like the world in a dog-collar. We need the excitement and the discipline that the Gospel brings. We need redemption, restoration and renewal and not people accepting anything because, "Jesus just wants us to be happy!"
A plea to those who have the authority in the CofE. Stop closing churches and try opening hearts and lives to the Gospel. Do this and you'll find the churches are so full that you need to start building. Be courageous and seek to bless communities by keeping buildings open, even if it means the vestry becomes a post office!
Which model would you chose? Think and challenge others with your thoughts. Influence Synods and make a blinking nuisance of yourself and be a fool for Christ and not merely yet another banker for him!
Pax
Postscript: Take a look at this video and ask yourself where other churches and their congregations (or people brought together on a diocesan or deanery basis) might be able to do the same thing:
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