The Stained Glass Cliff
Who falls off the “stained-glass cliff” when leading a dying church? When young, new or female clergy take over a struggling congregation, they often face the exhausting task of closing the church.
Resurrection Hope: Church Closure and a Faithful Future
Pastor Lorrin Radzik preaches resurrection — even after closing two churches. For courageous leaders, death is not the end of our story.
Resurrection in Closing Congregations
Good Friday Collaborative was born out of a desire to offer support and insight to clergy and congregations in the process of closure. Our name points to the reminder that all resurrection requires death, and that death is not to be avoided at all costs.
And at the same time, we are people of the resurrection! Two of our collaborators led their congregations’ final services on Easter Sunday, and offer reflections on what that was like for them.
Lent, Lasts, & Other Holy Things
Can last things be holy? What can we learn as we navigate last things and encounter scripture anew?
A Prayer for Remembering Saint Congregations
This All Saints Day prayer from the Good Friday Collaborative recognizes "saint congregations," legacy churches that have closed, merged, or concluded visible ministry.
Meet the Team: Lorrin Radzik
I didn’t go to seminary to close churches. And yet, God calls us to and equips us for ministry in mysterious ways.
A Blessing for Good Friday
When congregations close, it can feel like a perpetual Good Friday.
This blessing is for you.
You are not alone.