Lessons from a Church Merger
As I sat down with Reverend Dr. Katie Nix and Reverend Dr. Phil Blackwell, I felt a real sense of anticipation. Here were two pastors who’d just taken their churches through one of the most challenging – and, let’s face it, risky – transitions in church life: a merger. It wasn’t just a blending of two churches that happened to be close by; it was the merging of legacies, missions, and people’s deeply held connections to “how things have always been done.” And they did this during a pandemic, no less.
Katie and Phil’s story, though, isn’t a dry recount of logistics or attendance figures. Their journey is about faith, resilience, and the courage to ask big, sometimes uncomfortable questions. These are lessons we can all take to heart, whether we’re in leadership or simply navigating our own communities through change.
Respect the Past, but Don’t Be Bound by It
One of the most powerful insights from our conversation was how intentional they were about honoring both congregations’ legacies. Katie described how they used the term "legacy churches" to emphasize that each had its unique strengths and history, and neither was meant to "absorb" the other. The merger was about coming together as equals, not a takeover.
They even held a "passing of the torch" ceremony, starting the last service at one church and walking together to the new location for a shared service. This symbolic walk represented a powerful reminder: the past is important, but the focus now is on a new journey together. In a time when many churches are facing decline, this intentional honoring of history without getting trapped by it is a lesson for us all.
Rethink Success: It’s Not Just “Butts in Seats”
As Katie and Phil discussed how they measure success, I was struck by their perspective. They acknowledged the traditional indicators – attendance, budgets – but were quick to point out these alone don’t reflect a church’s health or vitality. Instead, they ask questions like, “Did people feel spiritually connected?” and “Are we making a difference in our community?”
One of the most exciting metrics for them is seeing a growing sense of unity and mission. This shows that true success is about creating a welcoming environment where people feel they belong and where the church’s impact extends beyond Sunday mornings. These questions help them foster a culture that’s purpose-driven and less focused on survival.
Ask “What If?” and Embrace New Possibilities
This might have been my favorite takeaway from our conversation. Katie and Phil both emphasize the power of asking, “What if?” instead of “How have we always done it?” For them, this merger was an opportunity to reimagine their mission. They encourage their congregation to use their space in creative ways – like opening it up to the community or collaborating with local groups.
As Phil said, “The gift of imagination is a gift from God.” This idea of constantly exploring new ways to serve the neighborhood and the congregation struck me as essential, especially now when the traditional model of church life is shifting.
Moving Forward with Faith and Imagination
Katie, Phil, and their congregations remind us that church is more than a building or attendance numbers. It’s about creating an environment where people find meaning, build connections, and pursue ministry in fresh, impactful ways. And the only way to truly move forward is with a willingness to ask, “What if?” and the courage to answer.
Their story challenges us to let go of our comfort zones, respect our pasts without being bound by them, and pursue ministry that makes a difference right now.
