M Allen,
I see you are in Michigan, there maybe someone here that is local to the church who may be able to help. What county is the church in?
Also,
Is the company that came in, the same company that performs the routine maintenance on this elevator?
You may want to call the company that came in and ask if they lowered the car.
Ask why they lowered the car.
Ask what they did when they were there.
Ask what repairs need to be done.
Ask how they came to a five figure price.

Then call other companies and speak with them. Let them know what is going on? Ask if they are willing to come out and give you an estimate.

Now I'm sure you are able and capable to do many things. But we spend years working while going to school to prepare to for our exam to become a licensed elevator mechanic. Then we spend the rest of our careers continuously learning more and more.
So now you may understand why I am asking you to please stop putting yourself and the others of your church at risk! Safety is our first concern.