10 Ways Consolidation Can Strengthen Your Church’s Impact

Consolidation Can Be Good Stewardship

Local church leaders across the United Methodist connection are facing tough decisions. Declining attendance, aging buildings, budget shortfalls, and volunteer fatigue are more common than not. In this context, the idea of consolidation often surfaces—but it’s usually met with anxiety and grief.

Many church members associate consolidation with failure: the closing of a beloved sanctuary, the ending of traditions, or the fear that “we’re dying.” But what if we framed consolidation not as death but as resurrection? What if it’s a faithful act of stewardship—an intentional reordering of resources for the sake of the gospel?

Take a glimpse at the wider picture of The United Methodist Church. Many of our annual conferences are looking at the possibilities of either merger or working across conference boundaries more collaboratively. Our United Methodist general agencies, coming out of the pandemic, have seen the benefit of new models of working that have enabled the sale of buildings, sharing office space, and using proceeds to help support innovative services and ministries as apportionment support has decreased. The mission is driving this shift, and congregations are benefiting.

As United Methodists, we proclaim a mission “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” That mission hasn’t changed—but the way we organize to live it out must adapt to our current reality.

A Theology of Stewardship and Resurrection

Stewardship is about wisely managing everything God has entrusted to us: people, property, finances, time, and energy. Jesus spoke often about pruning what is no longer fruitful—not to punish but to prepare for new growth. Consolidation, when entered into prayerfully and strategically, can be a form of spiritual pruning. It clears space for what is vital, sustainable, and mission-driven.

Here are ten examples of how consolidation can expand your church’s witness and vitality:

1. SHARED WORSHIP SPACES

Consolidate worship services into one primary location. This is especially helpful in multi-point charges or areas with several underused church buildings. It reduces overhead expenses—such as heating, electricity, and insurance—while bringing congregations together for a more vibrant worship experience. A fuller sanctuary brings renewed energy and helps guests feel they’re part of something vital.

2. MERGING CONGREGATIONS

Instead of watching two small congregations struggle independently, a merger offers a chance for resurrection. When churches unite, they bring together their traditions, resources, and people into a single body with renewed purpose. Rather than seeing this as one church “closing,” imagine it as a new congregation being born—stronger, healthier, and ready to serve its community.

3. MINISTRY FOCUS AUDIT

Trying to do too much often means doing little well. Consolidation allows churches to assess which ministries are bearing fruit and which are draining time and energy. By narrowing the focus to just a few strategic ministries, churches can offer better leadership, clearer messaging, and deeper community impact.

4. COLLABORATIVE STAFFING MODELS

Staffing costs can overwhelm small congregations. Sharing clergy staff, a youth director, a music minister, an administrator, or a custodian across two or more churches can increase professional quality while spreading out the cost. This model also encourages cooperation and breaks down silos between neighboring congregations.

5. REGIONAL VOLUNTEER TEAMS

Many churches struggle to fill committee roles. By building regional or shared teams for finance, trustees, worship planning, or outreach, congregations can tap into a wider talent pool. Volunteers are more likely to stay energized and committed when they’re serving in ways that match their gifts and are not overloaded.

6. CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATION TOOLS

Churches can combine efforts on newsletters, websites, and social media. This not only saves time and money but also projects a stronger, united voice to the wider community. Shared tools can help tell the collective story of ministry and mission more effectively.

7. FACILITY DOWNSIZING OR REPURPOSING

Buildings are sacred, but they’re also costly. Consolidation may involve closing or selling a building, leasing part of a facility, or moving into a smaller space. Freed-up funds can be redirected toward mission, while repurposed space might house nonprofits, daycares, or community services aligned with the church’s values.

8. JOINT MISSION PROJECTS

Instead of each church hosting its own under-resourced pantry, clothing ministry, or tutoring program, consider joining forces. One robust, collaborative outreach ministry can have greater visibility, impact, and sustainability. It’s also a more powerful witness to unity and connectionalism.

9. COORDINATED WORSHIP PLANNING

Pastors and lay worship leaders can collaborate across churches to develop sermon series, music plans, and special services. This shared planning reduces duplication of effort and can lead to richer worship experiences, as teams benefit from each other’s insights and creativity.

10. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION

Bookkeeping and financial reporting are essential but time-consuming. Consider recruiting a shared treasurer, using joint accounting software, or using conference-level support to streamline processes. Churches gain accuracy, save money, and release leaders to focus more on discipleship and mission.

Moving from Scarcity to Abundance

These aren’t just cost-cutting strategies—they are invitations to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. They require courage, trust, and vision. But with God’s help, consolidation can bring new life to weary congregations. It can be a vitamin shot to your church’s mission.

United Methodist Support and Structures

The United Methodist Church has tools to help: district superintendents who walk alongside churches in transition, provisions in the Book of Discipline for mergers and cooperative ministry, and conference-level resources for financial and facility planning. You’re not alone on this journey.

A Final Word of Hope

Consolidation is not about giving up—it’s about leaning in. Leaning into God’s call. Leaning into community. Leaning into the future.

It’s about being faithful stewards of the mission we’ve been given. And sometimes, the most faithful thing we can do is let go of what no longer works so that something new can be born.

Let’s not be afraid of change. Let’s see it as God’s invitation to be renewed, revived, and ready to transform the world.