When a church closes
In the unfortunate case when a congregation has to close, how does the church handle the remaining members if there are no WELS/ELS congregations nearby.
The pastor or circuit pastor will advise the members of their options. Options might include periodic visits by a neighboring pastor, lay-assisted services using printed and digital worship materials, a possible re-start of the congregation, among others. Because congregational and community circumstances vary, the options are going to vary as well.
Congregations do well to learn about and utilize the resources available from WELS Congregational Counseling.
When a congregation has to close, it is an emotional time for all involved. What church leaders are primarily concerned about is that the people involved stay connected to the means of grace.