The difficult decision to close a church is always accompanied by grief. And yet as Christians, we cling to the resurrection promise that from death comes new life. In recent years, congregations have taken this message to heart — making generous gifts to Lutheran World Relief when closing their doors.
Learn how gifts from recently closed churches are providing lasting hope for neighbors around the world. Download our Closing Congregations resource for more information.
Closing congregations create livesaving impact
It took 13 months of discernment before Grace Lutheran Church in Needham, Mass., decided to close. But Pastor Elizabeth Nees says her congregation took great comfort in knowing their closure meant making transformative gifts to trusted ministries.
By giving to Lutheran World Relief and participating in the Quilt & Kit Ministry, they had long enjoyed feeling like they were a part of something much bigger than themselves — and they trusted that LWR would continue their legacy.
“As Christians, we know death is never the end of our story,” Pastor Nees reflects. “Congregations may close. It may not look like we thought it would. But our church and the gift we made in closing will make such life-changing impacts for others. It’s living on still.”
Loving our neighbors, one last time
Dielda Kuhlmann was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Renton, Wash. — a congregation that was founded in 1942.
Dielda says few service projects inspired her congregation more than making Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief.
“Everyone needs soap and everyone feels better with clean teeth,” she reflects. “We appreciate that your organization is able to send the kits to where they are needed.”
She recalls the explosion in Beirut in 2020 and how many members of her church were moved to tears by the fact that one of our containers of quilts and kits was found intact.
“It helped to reaffirm how important this type of giving was,” she says.
When the congregation made the difficult decision to close, they knew two things early in the process. First, they knew they wanted their building to continue as a church so it could help to grow God’s kingdom locally. Second, they wanted to continue helping people throughout the world.
She explains, “Our hearts are happy knowing that while our beloved church does not exist, someone’s life will have more dignity, someone will feel God’s love and someone will feel safer. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to do something we love to do, one last time.”
Considering closure?
As you pray through your next steps, our team is here to talk with you about creating lasting impact. Email us at @email to set up a conversation.
