A Community of Churches
THE PROJECT
Helping a diverse community of churches navigate change for the sake of mission.
We are excited to share a new development regarding The Better Together Project: A Community of Churches.
In late August hundreds of church leaders and representatives gathered for the Convening of Concerned Churches. While together, it became clear that churches held different concerns and unique priorities reflecting their context and experience, and that they held those concerns and priorities with conviction. It also became clear while together that, despite these differences, they found common ground—not merely in what they opposed, but in what they longed for: A space to worship with a wider welcome. To wonder and explore. To hold differences without condemnation. To trust the Spirit at work in one another. And to live out our faith, hope, and love in practical ways that make a difference in our churches and communities.
We share a deep sense that church is meant for this kind of community. And we know the kind of community we all long for is especially difficult to maintain in our cultural climate of polarizing change and conflict. The decisions of Synod 2024 amplified these challenges for many Christian Reformed congregations. A shared yearning has taken root in many hearts for something that will interrupt the swinging pendulum of polarization. If we want things to be different, we must do something different.
We at Better Together want to share with you an opportunity to do something different.
Together we will live into practices and postures that aid us as we navigate transitions and equip us to emerge more united and with more missional vitality than ever before.
We at Better Together invite you and your congregation to join us in an emerging project of a Community of Churches.
INTEREST FORM
for participation in the Community of Churches
The Practices:
What’s Included?
By partnering in The Better Together Project: A Community of Churches, your church will experience the following:
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Churches will identify a pastoral leader to serve as the primary lead, representing the congregation at monthly cohort meetings (virtual or in person). The cohorts will connect pastors to share wisdom, practice discernment, and offer encouragement. Cohort meetings will focus on topics designed to support the missional goal of building ecumenical partnerships in the congregation’s local community.
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Churches will be able to support their primary pastoral leader with two annual soul care retreats facilitated by Cultivate Renewal. These retreats will support spiritual and physical renewal for pastoral leaders. All expenses are covered.
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The Colossian Forum will lead pastors and a small team of ministry leaders in two workshops. These practical learning opportunities will equip participants with the postures and skills needed to navigate conflict as an opportunity for faith formation and reconciliation. Costs for the training are covered.
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Churches will be invited to participate in an annual convening of the Community of Churches. These convenings provide the opportunity to strengthen community and unity through worship, fellowship, learning, and listening. Registration costs for participating congregations are covered (up to 5 individuals).
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Churches will be empowered with practical resources to build sustainable ecumenical partnerships in their local settings with churches or faith organizations, expanding and diversifying the witness of reconciliation to the local community.
MORE DETAILS
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The Commitment: What’s Required?
Congregations are asked to commit to participating in the activities outlined above beginning January 2025 through February 2027.
This commitment includes:
● The attendance of a key pastoral leader to take leadership in The Project, attending monthly cohort meetings and the annual soul care retreats.
● The attendance of a team of ministry leaders (up to 10) at the trainings provided by The Colossian Forum and encourage attendance to each annual Convening.
● The building of sustainable ecumenical partnerships in the local community for the sake of mission.
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The Cost: How Much?
Gratefully, the Lilly Endowment Grant funding The Project significantly reduces the $20k+ cost of supporting cohorts, organizing Convenings, offering workshops led by The Colossian Forum, and sending pastors on retreat with Cultivate Renewal over the course of two years.
The cost for each congregation is:
● $207/month (x 25 months) or $5k - U.S. churches
● $415/month (x 25 months) or $10k - Canadian churches (grant restrictions prohibit the U.S. discount being offered to Canadian churches)
Please let us know if your congregation needs financial assistance in order to participate.
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The Next Step: How Can A Church Move Forward?
If your congregation is interested in taking a next step toward participating in the Community of Churches, you are invited to complete the Community of Churches Interest Form.
Upon completion a representative from Better Together will personally follow up to help address any questions and guide you through the enrollment process.
If you would like more information or to speak with someone from Better Together, please email us at info@bettertogether.church.
