# Note From Pastor Don: Becoming ONE - Merger Update

- From: Ringgold Church — General Emails
- Sent: May 18, 2026 (2026-05-18T22:01:48.633Z)
- Web version: https://ringgoldchurch.flowforth.co/emails/general-emails/9098
- More emails: https://ringgoldchurch.flowforth.co/emails/general-emails

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# Becoming ONE - Merger Update

May 18, 2026

***From Exploration Phase to the Process Phase***

I was recently asked this question: ***"It seems that the merger is going forward. I thought we were to vote on it. Did I miss the vote?"***  Thank you for reaching out and asking this question. A congregational affirmation vote was not missed.

What has moved forward at this stage is not the final approval of a merger, but the leadership's decision to move from the Merger Exploration Phase into the Merger Process Phase. That means we are beginning the formal work necessary to determine what a completed merger would look like—legally, financially, structurally, and strategically. This will be a time consuming process.

No final congregational affirmation vote has taken place or been planned.

Our intent has always been that, once the full process work is completed and a clear, detailed plan is presented, the congregation will have the opportunity to vote before any merger is finalized. We are not bypassing that step. In fact, there will be presentations and open discussion with both congregations as we work through each step. This will be a time-consuming process involving preparation, communication, and affirmation.

Right now, we are doing the careful groundwork so that when a final affirmation vote comes, it will be informed, transparent, and based on clearly defined plans rather than general ideas.

I understand how it may have felt like things were suddenly “decided,” and I’m grateful you asked. Our desire is to walk through this with openness, unity, and trust. Please continue to ask questions and stay engaged — your voice matters. The exploration phase focused on the ability to adapt to one ministry process and system and whether it could work effectively.

### What This Next Phase Will Include:

- Moving forward with the intent to merge
- Joint leadership integration and governance planning
- Legal and financial consolidation steps
- Ministry alignment and unified strategy development
- Operational and administrative integration
- Congregational forums and regular communication updates
- Establishing a clear timeline toward official merger completion

From Ringgold’s union beginning in 1898 to GC3’s gospel-centered planting in the 1970s, both churches were born from the same heartbeat: sharing the Gospel with our communities.

We are not abandoning our heritage — we are continuing it.

We truly believe we are better together — for strength, for clarity, and for greater Kingdom impact.

Please join us in praying for unity, wisdom, and humility as we move forward. Broken lives are still mended by Christ, and the mission remains unchanged.

Most of all, we are seeking to follow the Lord’s leading with humility and clarity.

With appreciation,

**Don Conley**

**Ringgold + GC3**

**Lead Pastor**

**LOCATIONS**

**Ringgold Location** (10 AM Service time)

14416 Barkdoll Road

Hagerstown, MD 21742

**Frederick Location** (10:30 AM Service time)

2100 Rosemont Ave.

Frederick, MD 21702