Helping a diverse community of churches navigate change for the sake of mission.
A Community of Churches
THE PROJECT:
3 Key Emphases of Focus for
The Community of Churches (CC)
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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 will provide a space for soul care and recovery.
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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.
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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 provide peer and coaching support that will aid pastors and congregations as they face change over the 2 year experience.
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.
