Matt sits down with beloved preacher, bishop, and author Dr. Will Willimon to talk about what it means for churches to age gracefully—and even die faithfully. Drawing on decades of ministry, Willimon unpacks the crisis and opportunity of aging congregations, shares compelling stories of churches handing off their legacy, and invites us to rethink what “decline” really means.
What You’ll Learn:
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Why the church's aging population is both a challenge and an opportunity
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How congregations facing closure can do so with dignity and hope
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The essential role of elders in mentoring, ministry, and legacy
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How to tell the truth about decline without giving into despair
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Real stories of transformation from dying churches that gave away their buildings, responsibilities, and mission to the next generation
Resources:
All of Dr. Willimon's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001IGHNA0
Aging (Pastoring for Life: Theological Wisdom for Ministering Well): Growing Old in Church
Dr. Willimon's Faculty Page at Duke Divinity School
Keywords: church closure, dying churches, aging congregations, Dr. Will Willimon, Methodist church, elder leadership, church revitalization, church legacy, handing off the church, resurrection theology, end-of-life ministry, pastoral care, aging and faith, The Last Service Podcast
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