To grow, some churches might want to consider becoming a multi-point church. A charge is  not a merger nor is it necessarily a cooperative parish.

Some Frequently asked questions:

• Will we only worship every other week? No! The pastor will conduct worship with each congregation in the charge every week unless it is not possible (distance or number of churches in the charge) or unless a new vision for ministry effectiveness emerges. Charges are aligned with consideration given to the distance between the churches and other issues of compatibility.
• How is the pastor paid? Each church pays the pastor the agreed compensation for salary and housing. However, only one church in each charge will be billed or the full benefits payments to be sent to the annual conference. Therefore, one church will send their portion of the benefits costs to the church of the charge designated to be responsible for making benefits payments.
• Is this the first step toward merger or closure? Not necessarily. Some congregations who become a part of a multi-point charge find new life and hope in partnering with their neighboring church. Other congregations find new vitality with new leadership and a new commitment to reach out and bless those not already in the church. It is up to your congregation what the next faithful step is.

5 THINGS THAT NEED TO BE CONSIDERED AND DECIDED IN THE BEGINNING:

1. Set the times for congregational worship.
2. Determine whether the charge will have one SPRC with members from all churches in the charge or if each church will maintain its own SPRC. While each church's SPRC members may meet separately, especially if there is an issue specific to one church but that the charge SPRC needs to meet as a unit when discussing pastoral work, goals, evaluation, compensation, etc. (see 2012 Book of Discipline paragraph 258.2 for membership, duties, etc.)
3. There will be a charge conference with the churches of the charge meeting together rather than a separate confrence fore each church. Each church may elect its own slate of officers and take responsibility for its share of the pastoral compensation while setting the compensation for the charge.
4. Decide which church will send a lay member to the annual conference on behalf of the charge. The membership of the annual conference is defined as an equal number of lay and clergy members, and every charge sends one lay person for every clergy person assigned to the charge. Many charges set a pattern for this rotation, alternating participation from one church to the other annually or less frequent basis.
5. Coordinate church meeting and events calendars so the pastor can be present when needed.

After you make the above five decisions, you may want to create opportunities for the congregations to get to know one another. Eventually, you may find it energizing to explore the ways you might maximize you ministry by teaming up. For example, a combined youth group, periodic joint fasts, fellowship events, mission and/or worship services of some kind. The possibilities are endless--but only after relationships and a commitment to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of lives, communities and congregations have been forged..

Remember: you are now sharing a pastor. In order not to burn your pastor out or inadvertently place him or her in a tug-of-war with no winner, it will be necessary to find ways to work together as a charge.

While going through this transition there will be many different types of emotions. It is critical to approach it by going deeper with God in prayer. The more people who join you in that, the more the Holy Spirit will be able to guide and lead with less drama.