The Gathering Place hosted a Town Hall to talk openly about one important topic: the possibility of merging with Oceanview United Methodist Church. This was not a night for final decisions, but for listening, learning, and prayerfully considering what God might be calling us to do together.
Why a Town Hall?
Earlier this year, both congregations were asked by the district superintendent to begin exploring the idea of merging. With leadership changes at Oceanview and both churches navigating financial realities, the conversation has become not just about survival, but about asking: How can we create something bigger than ourselves that blesses our community?
To guide this process, a Joint Discernment Committee (JDC) was formed, made up of members from both churches along with outside consultants. Their job is to explore options and bring a recommendation forward for both congregations to vote on this fall.
The Options on the Table
The JDC outlined three possible paths:
- No Merger – Each congregation would continue on its own.
- Traditional Merger – Combine resources into one church body, but without significant change in mission or direction.
- Transformative Missional Community – A bold vision where both churches not only join together but also commit to creating something new: a community-centered hub that combines worship, family ministry, and mission-focused initiatives that serve Palm Beach County in fresh, tangible ways.
The third option—sometimes called the “Big Holy Audacious Goal”—has generated the most excitement. It imagines selling Oceanview’s property (valued at over $20 million), combining assets, and using those resources to build or partner in a new space that could house worship, children’s and family ministries, and serve the wider community through programs like affordable housing, food distribution, or counseling.
Key Realities Shared
- Finances: Oceanview currently carries significant debt and declining rental income, while The Gathering Place faces a plateau in attendance and giving. Both congregations recognize that neither can thrive long-term alone.
- Mission Alignment: Both churches share a commitment to outreach, community partnerships, and raising up the next generation. This makes a joint future missionally aligned.
- Next Steps: No decision was made at the Town Hall. A final recommendation will come from the JDC before the end of October, followed by a congregational vote at both churches.
What This Means for Worship & Ministry
Questions were raised about where we would worship in the short-term and what worship styles would look like if we merged. Leaders shared that:
- Short-term options include continuing at Temple Beth David, worshiping temporarily at Ocean View, or exploring other rental spaces.
- Long-term, the vision would include a new facility designed for worship and community service.
- Worship style is still open to discussion, but options could include offering both traditional and contemporary services—or even a blended service.
- Family ministry would remain a priority, with Ocean View families welcomed into existing programs at The Gathering Place.
A Spirit of Hope
One of the most encouraging parts of the evening was hearing how positive Oceanview’s own Town Hall had been. Many long-time members spoke openly about being ready to let go of their building in order to pursue something greater for the community and for future generations. Watch Oceanview’s full Town Hall recap here.
As Pastor Mike reminded us, “The church doesn’t exist for the sake of a building. We exist to extend God’s redeeming love.”
What’s Next
As the JDC continues its work, our role as a congregation is to:
- Pray for wisdom, unity, and God’s guidance.
- Stay engaged by reading the FAQ, attending future meetings, and asking thoughtful questions.
- Dream about what God could do through us if we take a bold step together.
This is an exciting and challenging season—but one filled with possibility. Together, we’re discerning whether God is calling us to build not just a church, but a transformative missional community for Palm Beach County.