14 episodes
The Last Service Podcast The Last Service Podcast
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- Religion & Spirituality
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5.0 • 10 Ratings
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The Last Service Podcast explores the narratives of American churches that have closed, consolidated, or merged. But this isn’t a tale of despair; it’s a celebration of good endings, enduring legacies, and the courage to embrace new beginnings.
American churches are closing at a pace faster than new ones are emerging, the need for thoughtful conversations around closures is more crucial than ever.
By shedding light on the paths taken by these congregations, we aim to inspire and encourage church leaders facing difficult decisions. Join us as we delve into the lives of these churches, sharing stories that resonate with wisdom, and a commitment to ending well.
So, whether you’re a pastor navigating the delicate balance of transition or a curious listener seeking wisdom from these poignant narratives, The Last Service Podcast is your haven for stories of faithful endings.
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Small Things Well with Karl Vaters, author of De-sizing the Church: How Church Growth Became a Science, Then an Obsession, and What's Next
Karl Vaters joins The Last Service Podcast to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing small churches. With over 40 years of pastoral experience and as the author of several books on small church ministry, Karl provides valuable insights to help small congregations thrive.
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Wise Counsel with Erika Cole, The Church Attorney
In this insightful episode, Matt talks with Erika Cole, known as the Church Attorney, about navigating the legal process of church closures and mergers. Erika provides a wealth of knowledge on checklist items, vital documents, legal steps, and wisdom for churches going through this transition.
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Thank you, I love you, I'm sorry, I forgive you - with Good Friday Collaborative
In this episode, Matt is joined by Rev. Diane Kenaston, co-founder of The Good Friday Collaborative. They discuss how churches can approach the difficult process of closing, merging, or consolidating ministries faithfully and pastorally. Diane shares her own experience leading a church through a merger and the valuable lessons learned. She also unpacks the five stages of church closures outlined by The Good Friday Collaborative as a framework for congregations.
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Bonus: The Potluck with Matt McGee and Michael Lomuscio
In this special ”Potluck” episode of The Last Service Podcast, host Matt McGee is interviewed by his friend Michael Lucio about the origins of the podcast, the declining state of church attendance and membership, and what constitutes a good or bad church closing.
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Courageous Honesty - John Muzyka of Church Realty
In this episode, Matt interviews John Muzyca, a church real estate expert, about how churches can navigate the end of their life cycle well. John provides wise counsel on assessing property needs, making tough decisions with church committees, finding the right realtor, and determining if the building still serves the church’s mission.
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God Called Me Here - Ballast Point Baptist and South Tampa Fellowship
In this episode, host Matt interviews Tom Sander, a longtime music minister who helped facilitate the merger between Ballast Point Baptist Church and Davis Islands Baptist Church (an extension of Idlewild Baptist) in Tampa, Florida in the early 2000s. Tom shares the story of how Ballast Point, despite having a healthy congregation, decided a merger was needed for revitalization and greater community impact rather than waiting until desperation set in.
Customer Reviews
Highly Informative, But the Stories are Even Better
This podcast comes at the topic of church closings from two different angles. First is by interviewing experts in the field of supporting churches through these emotional transitions. Second, and my favorite part of the podcast, is telling and preserving the story of these organizations who’ve spent decades doing Kingdom work and are coming to the end of their lifecycle. A fantastic listen whether you’re going through the process or simply interested in honoring churches that have.
Very touching
It was great to hear from someone who grew up in this church, served in this church and walked with it to the end. Emotional and yet something all struggling churches need to hear.
Amazing perspective
Filled with great conversations useful for not only church planters, or struggling congregations; but instead, God’s everlasting love!