Amalgamations, closures and selling properties may be the most responsible way in which to exercise stewardship over capital assets. Inventive and creative solutions ought to be encouraged in deciding on the best location for ministries. One of the worst things the denominational leadership can do is to discourage ministers and congregations by blocking new church plants and other creative initiatives. Creative initiatives and calculated risks need to be taken. Resourcing vs Regulating Church leaders and authorities ought to work on the principle that the denomination is primarily a resourcing agency.
Denominations can resource local church life in a number of ways.
They can be proactive in ensuring there is a continuous stream of highly trained ministry recruits who are placed in ministries to which they are suited. They must avoid selecting and placing ministers on the basis of formal qualifications ahead of commitment, competence and character. They can ensure ministers are supported and provided with ongoing professional training. They can provide resources and training for discipleship education for lay persons. They must resist the temptation to drain local churches of funds for central diocesan positions, projects and programs.