Scripture for closing a church is not intended to be a “how to” manual for closing down a church. It would be better stated that the scriptures offered are to serve as reminders and guides as you communicate with your congregation through this transition. We believe that your heart is to serve God by serving others and that one of the ways you have chosen to do so is by opening up your church home and donating it to another community of faith.
In the sad event that you need to close your church or ministry, it’s important to remember the closure is a first step in healing. You’ve done all you can for your congregation and want to give them an opportunity to heal as well. It’s important to document the steps you take during this time in order to bless those who are left behind. Here are some helpful scriptures for closing a church or ministry.
As much as we’d like to think that our church is the best church in the history of churches, and hope that it will go on forever, that has never been the case. In fact, even Jesus’ church died when it became apostate (grew weak), lost its hospitality, set up human leaders instead of Jesus being the leader of the people, and changed its practices (see Revelation 2 and 3). If you are called to be a part of a closing church – whether you are ministering or part of someone’s family – this article will hopefully help you find some comfort in scripture while still facing emotional challenges.
We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of this church.
We have been together for [number] years and we have come a long way. In these last few weeks, we have reflected on our journey and celebrated our accomplishments. We have also had time to say goodbye to each other, and say goodbye to this space that has been so much a part of our lives.
In the coming months, we will be moving on to new places and continuing our work with new groups of people. We will be looking back at all that has happened here with fondness and gratitude for all those who came before us—those who built this church from scratch and those who built it into what it is today.
But as we move forward into our new lives, let us remember that we are always connected by this place: by its walls, by its roof, by its history, by its memories. This building is not just a physical structure—it represents something greater than itself; something more than just the sum total of its parts; something that cannot be contained by any physical walls or fences or even words themselves! So let us take comfort knowing that although this space may change hands over time, we will always be connected
As we close this chapter in our church’s history, we are reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul:
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
Scripture For Closing A Church
Introduction
A church closing is never an easy occasion, and it can be a very sad one. There are many ways that a church may support its members at this time, as well as ways that clergy and leaders can prepare for this moment. But one of the most important decisions will likely come near the end of the final service: what scripture to read. Though they might vary based on denomination or family’s traditions, here are some suggested readings to consider using during a church closing service:
Mark 16:1-8
- The gospel is the power of God for salvation
- The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ
- The gospel is the good news of the kingdom of God
- The gospel is the good news of the forgiveness of sins (1 Cor 1:18)
- The gospel is the good news that Jesus died and rose again, so that those who believe in Him may have eternal life (John 20:30-31)
2 Timothy 4:6-8
Let me say that this is the most important verse in Scripture:
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NRSV)
6 For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
1 Corinthians 15:51-54
“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has been clothed with immortality and this mortal put on immortality then shall come to pass what is written: Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:51-54).
This passage is part of Paul’s argument that there is life after death. He says that our bodies are going to be transformed into something new so that they can live forever with God. The word translated as “transformed” literally means “to change one thing into another thing entirely different from itself.”
In light of this passage’s teaching about the resurrection of believers’ bodies at Christ’s return, it seems appropriate that God should use his Word to help you through closures like yours because he doesn’t want your church family to lose their hope for eternal life together!
John 20:19-22
When Jesus appeared to His disciples, He breathed on them and said: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:18-20) Then He told them that if they could believe in what He did for their sake, they would not only be saved from sin but also would receive power to be witnesses for Him.
Jesus Christ has the power to save you from your sins! You can choose to receive this gift or reject it, but either way, salvation is offered. If you do not accept this free gift of salvation through faith in Christ’s work on the cross, then you cannot go to heaven when you die.
Genesis 50:2-3
It is a popular belief that the only way to close a church is for God to close it. This seems reasonable, as God has all the power. If He wants to shut down our church, who are we to say no?
However, there are times when churches choose to close their doors and put out of business signs on them. These churches may be growing older and want to retire their building before they expire, or perhaps they decided that it was time for them to move on in order to pursue other things like missions work abroad or ministry in another city. Whatever the reason may be behind this decision by leadership, there will come a time when they must decide what needs doing with their property—whether it is deconstructing it and selling off materials (like wood flooring) or finding ways within budgeting constraints that allow people access while still protecting those involved from liability issues that could arise if someone were hurt during construction activities on site; either way though some careful planning needs doing beforehand since once something starts happening you’ll have much less control over how things pan out than if you had planned ahead carefully first upon receiving notice from leadership about what was happening next at your church building before any work began being done so at least then if something goes wrong later-on down one road towards closure;
Romans 8:28-39
In Romans 8:28-39, Paul says that God is for us and not against us. He says that God will never leave us or forsake us. In fact, he says that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This should comfort and encourage you as a church leader on your last day as you close your doors.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
As Christians, we are called to be ready for any future that the Lord gives us. We must make sure that we have done our part in preparing for it. The Lord will provide His strength and guidance if we ask Him for it, but if we do not pray or seek guidance from Scripture before making a decision about what course of action to take in response to an event, then we risk making decisions without fully understanding God’s will for us as individuals.
When Paul wrote “don’t worry,” this does not mean that he wanted people to stop worrying about things entirely (i.e., worrying about whether their life insurance premiums were paid up). Instead, his intention is simply that Christians should not worry excessively about worldly matters such as finances or careers—these things are not important in comparison with eternity!
These are some passages of scripture that may be helpful to read at the closing of a church.
Scripture for Closing a Church
These are some passages of scripture that may be helpful to read at the closing of a church.
Conclusion
I hope that you found this article helpful. I have found these passages of scripture to be comforting and helpful in times of need. May you find them the same.