For many churches, the road to a merger begins in the shadow of hardship. Whether it’s dwindling attendance, financial struggles, leadership transitions, or simply a sense that the mission is faltering, the decision to merge rarely comes lightly. It’s often the result of difficult conversations, heartfelt prayers, and the realization that staying the same is no longer sustainable.
While the process of merging churches can be painful, it’s also full of possibilities. Church mergers, when done thoughtfully, have the potential to create something stronger, more unified, and better equipped to serve God’s Kingdom. Forefront Church in Denver knows this firsthand, having navigated two church mergers—one in 2015 and another in 2023.
Pastor Drew Tarwater, Forefront’s Lead Pastor, joined the church in 2018, inheriting a congregation shaped by its first merger. His leadership guided Forefront through its second merger in 2023. Tarwater credits his unconventional path to the pastorate with helping him prepare for the trials of ministry leadership. Before transitioning to full-time pastoral work, he spent over a decade in corporate America, where his role in human resources and risk management sharpened his ability to navigate complex relationships, communicate effectively, and solve problems creatively.
His story—and Forefront’s—offers a wealth of insight for pastors considering this path.
1 Plus 1 Equals 1: The Reality of Church Mergers
In church mergers, “1 plus 1 doesn’t equal 2—it equals 1,” Tarwater explains. In reality, mergers are not partnerships where two churches coexist as separate entities under one roof. Instead, they result in the creation of one new identity.
While the idea of combining two congregations may sound simple, the reality is more complex. Mergers are inherently transformative, requiring both congregations to adapt to new systems, traditions, and leadership structures. People lose familiar routines, traditions shift, and it can feel like something precious is being left behind.
“People tie so much of their identity to their church,” Tarwater shares. “When that changes, even for good reasons, it’s an emotional process. It’s our job as leaders to acknowledge those feelings and guide people through them with care.”
Adoption, Not Acquisition: A Better Merger Mindset
One of the most challenging aspects of a merger is managing how it’s perceived by both congregations. Tarwater reflects on Forefront’s experiences and suggests a critical mindset shift: viewing mergers as adoptions rather than acquisitions.
- An Acquisition: This feels like one church is taking over another. The stronger church often sets the tone, leaving members of the smaller church feeling overshadowed or even erased.
- An Adoption: This approach emphasizes partnership and belonging. Both churches are seen as valuable contributors to a new, shared vision. It’s relational, collaborative, and rooted in the idea of family.
Tarwater reflects on Forefront’s second merger in 2023, saying, “Looking back, I wish we had leaned harder into this adoption mindset. The merging church said at one point, ‘This feels more like an acquisition than a merger,’ and they were right. That wasn’t our intention, but it showed us how important it is to communicate and frame the process well from the start.”
The Importance of Similar Life Cycles
One of the most impactful lessons Tarwater learned is the importance of a church’s life cycle in a merger. In 2023, Forefront—a 13-year-old established church—merged with a young, one-and-a-half-year-old church plant. While both churches shared similar DNA as Converge members, their stages of development were very different.
“Young church plants are all about dreaming big and looking ahead,” Tarwater says. “Established churches, though, are focused on living out their mission in the here and now. That difference in focus created friction we didn’t fully anticipate.”
Churches with similar life cycles often share more than vision—they tend to have comparable systems, rhythms, and expectations. This alignment makes the transition smoother because both groups speak the same “language.”
If you’re considering a merger, Tarwater advises looking for a partner church in a similar stage of growth. “It’s not that mismatched life cycles can’t work,” he explains. “But it’s harder. The more aligned you are in your journey, the easier it is to merge well.”
The Hard Reality of Membership Loss
Even with the best planning and intentions, mergers often come with loss. Tarwater shares in his experience that about 50% of members from the merging churches stayed—a number consistent with industry standards but still hard to accept emotionally.
“We wanted to do better,” he admits. “But we’ve learned that part of the process is letting go and trusting God to guide people where they need to be.”
This reality can feel discouraging, but it’s important to remember that God is still at work. For those who stay, the merger creates a stronger church family ready to make a greater impact. And for those who leave, it’s an opportunity for them to find a new spiritual home where they can thrive.
Practical Steps for a Healthy Merger
Tarwater offers practical advice for pastors navigating the delicate work of merging congregations:
- Build Relationships First: Spend time getting to know the other church’s leaders and members. Host dinners, prayer meetings, and informal gatherings to build trust and rapport.
- Be Honest About Roles and Expectations: Clearly define leadership roles and what the new structure will look like. Tarwater emphasizes the importance of putting these agreements in writing.
- Communicate the Vision Often: Share why the merger is happening and how it aligns with God’s mission. Focus on the shared future rather than what each church is leaving behind.
- Allow for Growing Pains: Expect bumps in the road. Tarwater recommends frequent check-ins with leadership and staff to make adjustments as needed.
- Celebrate Both Histories: Honor the unique contributions of both churches by weaving their stories into the new church’s identity.
Encouragement for Pastors
Church mergers are never easy, but they can be deeply rewarding. For Tarwater, they’ve been a way to strengthen Forefront’s ministry and create opportunities for greater Kingdom impact.
“When you merge churches, you’re creating something entirely new,” he reflects. “It’s not about preserving what was—it’s about building what could be. And while the process can be messy, it’s also beautiful. God works through it all.”
If you’re considering a merger, Tarwater’s advice is simple: lean into relationships, focus on clear communication, and trust God with the outcome. “At the end of the day, it’s not about having the perfect plan,” he says. “It’s about faithfully following God’s call and loving people through the process.”
This article was written in collaboration with Drew Tarwater. If you want to continue the conversation, you can contact him directly at drewtarwater@forefrontchurch.tv.
