A Community of Churches

THE PROJECT:

3 Key Emphases of Focus for
The Community of Churches (CC)

Care for Pastor and Congregation

Flowing out of the Convening of Concerned Congregations in August (2024) one of the primary needs is simply opportunities for pastors and ministry leaders to experience care. Pastors are tired and worn out and so rather than add additional work, the CC provides a space for soul care and recovery.
Equipping for Engaging Conflict in Healthy Ways

Churches often face conflict, and learning healthier ways to navigate it fosters unity, Christ-like living, and stewardship. By engaging conflict constructively, churches can strengthen their witness and relationships, becoming better equipped to embody the love and unity they are called to reflect in their communities and beyond.
Helping Congregations Navigate Adaptive Change

Additionally, the truth is that all of our churches are facing change in a highly anxious environment. We often struggle through change, particularly when we do it alone. The CC will provides peer and coaching support that aids pastors and congregations as they face change over the 2-year experience.

A pastoral leader serves as the primary lead, representing the congregation at monthly cohort meetings (virtual or in person). The cohorts connect pastors to share wisdom, practice discernment, and offer encouragement. Cohort meetings focus on topics designed to support the missional goal of building ecumenical partnerships in the congregation’s local community.
Churches are be able to support their primary pastoral leader with annual soul care retreats facilitated by Cultivate Renewal. These retreats support spiritual and physical renewal for pastoral leaders.
The Colossian Forum leads pastors and a small team of ministry leaders in two workshops. These practical learning opportunities equip participants with the postures and skills needed to navigate conflict as an opportunity for faith formation and reconciliation.
Participating churches are invited to an annual convening of the Community of Churches. These convenings provide the opportunity to strengthen community and unity through worship, fellowship, learning, and listening.
By participating in this project, 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.