An Arizona church that closed its doors after failing to attract a growing attendance, recently sold its property for $1 amid struggling financially to maintain itself.
First Southern Baptist Church of Payson, Ariz., announced its closing on an outdoor sign, saying it had "given" its facilities to Expedition Church, a congregation that held services at an elementary school cafeteria during the last six years.
"…With a predominately senior church, over time membership and attendance declined and giving followed suit," said senior pastor Rick Hatch in a statement. "Budgets became tighter and tighter until we could no longer afford to maintain the church's expenses."
He added, "The church voted to be a living legacy to the community of Payson by giving in love the main church property to Expedition Church who has a large and growing church body with lots of children that needed a facility to better minister our Lord to the Payson area."
In addition, the church gave another of its property facilities to Payson Community Kids, a non-profit organization that offers assistance and services to underserved families. Keep reading
I posted this article because it illustrates one way a dying church can make a difference in the service of the gospel. It can turn over its facilities to a newer, more vibrant congregation. If we think about it, a church is not the real owner of its property and buildings. God is.
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