Closing a Church Faithfully

Doug Basler answered a call in 2020 to help revitalize First Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. His true mission became a litany to leading – lovingly and faithfully – the letting go.

“The church bought goats for families through Heifer International. Kids visited summer camp. Families and members endured cancer and death and divorce. Couples committed their lives to one another and their marriage to God. Elders and deacons: elected, ordained and prayed over. And they worshiped Jesus….   It is hard to imagine another place where this particular group of people would have gathered together for a common purpose.”  Read Doug’s reflections in his article in The Presbyterian Outlook.