One Plants, Another Waters, God Increases
Woodlawn Church of ChristSometimes the most powerful partnerships begin when one organization has exactly what another needs. Kingdom growth often happens when leaders choose collaboration, allowing their contributions to multiply impact rather than divide it. This kind of strategic unity requires both vision and trust. The vision to see beyond immediate needs and the trust to believe that coming together can lead to greater influence.
The Challenge
After nearly seven decades of faithful ministry in Abilene, Texas, Woodlawn Church of Christ faced difficult decisions shared by many aging congregations. At its peak, 600 members served the community and funded ministries across the world. Membership gradually declined to just 25-30 devoted, yet mostly older adults. The situation became more complex due to their unique relationship with the Christian Service Center (CSC), a local community service ministry. In 2013, Woodlawn generously gifted their church property to the CSC as it outgrew its location. For over a decade, Woodlawn used a small portion of the space, while the rest of the facilities were used by the CSC to serve the community.
The Discovery
As the outreach of the CSC increased and the Woodlawn church was nearing the end of its life cycle, questions related to kingdom stewardship of the facility arose. Blair Shroeder, the son of Woodlawn elder Wayland Schroeder, introduced Heritage21’s Executive Director, Doug Peters, to the leaders at Woodlawn, allowing conversations to move forward. “H21 brought a thoughtful, gospel-centered framework for how to think about change,” shared Blair. The church needed wisdom for how to honor their commitment to their remaining members and ensure their church’s legacy would continue bearing fruit.
At the same time, Jim Clark, Executive Director of the Christian Service Center, was also introduced to Heritage21 by one of its Ambassadors, David Wray. After a breakfast meeting, Jim shared, “I was intrigued and inspired to hear Doug tell us how H21 guides churches in transition to direct funds toward kingdom work. I thought it was tremendous — a true win-win for the kingdom of God and the spread of the gospel.”
The Partnership
Doug met with Woodlawn’s leaders to help develop a thoughtful transition plan that would honor decades of faithful ministry. H21 Board Member attorneys Mike O’Neal and Bill Dismuke assisted with legal documentation and the structure of an agreement that created a positive outcome for both the church and the Christian Service Center. Joe Arguijo, Operations Manager for the Christian Service Center shared, “Heritage21 was amazing to say the least! Talk about great navigating capabilities through deep waters. H21 has that ability.”
The Solution
Woodlawn’s leadership prayerfully implemented the comprehensive plan, establishing a timeline to allow celebrating the ministry impact of the past while creating space for the Christian Service Center to continue its vital work well into the future. The final months included proper care for their staff, thoughtful distribution of remaining assets to kingdom efforts, and a plan for appropriately celebrating the congregation’s heritage.
“H21 helped us think through the emotional, leadership and legal aspects of coming to a stewardship decision for the future. The legal details would have been overwhelming without H21. With H21’s assistance we were able to appreciate how Woodlawn had served God’s purposes for almost 70 years and positively wrap up our ministry in a great Celebration Weekend,” Wayland reflected.
The church celebrated with a weekend full of activities that brought together about 200 current and former members to honor almost 70 years of God’s work through Woodlawn. Displays were set up around the perimeter of the worship center highlighting pivotal moments in the church’s history. The Christian Service Center planted a tree and dedicated the courtyard in honor of the Woodlawn Church of Christ. A sign expressing the CSC’s deep gratitude to the Woodlawn church was unveiled on an exterior wall. The celebration Sunday worship gathering even included a baptism!
The Testimony
“Heritage21 was an invaluable partner to help both parties — the Woodlawn Church and the Christian Service Center — to work out a win-win arrangement. And it was a big win for the kingdom as we have been able to use their much larger facility to expand our programs and fulfill our mission to share the love of Jesus to those in our community with great need,” Jim Clark shared.
Wayland added, “With the help of H21 we were able to prayerfully consider our various options and make the best choice for Woodlawn and God’s kingdom. It was the right thing to do and it was the right time. We didn’t need to put it off any longer. It was a matter of stewardship.”
His son, Blair expressed, “H21 brings clarity, compassion, and a kingdom-first mindset that turns uncertainty into opportunity. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”
The Lessons
Woodlawn’s experience offers valuable truths for churches navigating transitions:
Kingdom efforts never end, but they do change. By viewing their closure as a transition rather than an ending, Woodlawn recognized that their space would continue God’s purposes through the Christian Service Center’s work to serve even more families in need throughout Abilene. Their thoughtful and intentional ending created space for new growth.
Legacy flows from kingdom impact, not longevity. Woodlawn’s decision to close while their ministry partnership with the CSC was strong ensured their final chapter would advance God’s work rather than hinder it.
Celebration can coexist with grief. By planning their final weekend as a time of reunion and thanksgiving, Woodlawn demonstrated that even emotional endings can be joyful when viewed through the visionary lens of God’s continuing kingdom.
The Community Impact
The transformed property continues to buzz with activity as Abilene families discover hope and help. The Christian Service Center’s ability to use the full 22,000 square-foot facility has expanded their capacity to serve Abilene’s most vulnerable residents. The former worship center now houses the center’s massive clothing distribution operation. Families facing financial hardship know they will find not just material assistance but also dignity and respect. The transition has strengthened the broader network of care in Abilene, showing that often the greatest impact comes not from preserving what was, but from releasing resources for what can be.
Planting and Watering
In a world that often celebrates individual achievement and competition, Woodlawn and the CSC demonstrate that great kingdom victories come when people work together with a common purpose. One ministry’s finish became another’s flourishing. While one plants and another waters, God gives the increase. Their story challenges every leader to ask not just “How can we grow?” but “How can we work together to grow what God is blessing?” One of the greatest challenges to faithful ministry is knowing when to plant, when to water, and when to praise God for giving the increase.
I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. I Corinthians 3:6-8