Thriving in a 21st Century Church Post-pandemic World
Helping ABCRGR congregations adapt and thrive in the post-pandemic era
Fast Facts
What Is this Initiative?
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
New Revised Standard Version: Updated Edition (Friendship Press, 2021), Je 29:11.
The "Why?"
The "Thriving in a 21st Century Church Post-pandemic World" initiative draws inspiration from the Old Testament prophets Ezekiel and Jeremiah. These prophets guided their people through challenging times, helping them understand and heal from their collective trauma. Similarly, this initiative encourages participating congregations to acknowledge their experiences and begin the healing process. Just as Jeremiah urged the exiles to build houses, plant gardens, and seek the welfare of their community, this project encourages churches to be productive and flourish in their current circumstances, with the promise of a hopeful future.
The "How?"
Many of our congregations are struggling right now to redefine who they are, what "membership" means, what worship, mission, and spiritual growth look like in younger generations, whether God is calling them in new directions, and more. Other congregations feel like they're doing well but would like help with developing stronger internal systems to better support their outward missions. Some congregations may need help better utilizing their facilities for mission, ministry, and connections with the community. Still others may identify a need for trained leadership. This initiative does not define for you what you need to work on. Rather, you will work with a coach to identify what needs and discernment processes, how to prioritize next actions, and how your grant funding will best be used.
What might grant funding projects look like? Here are some possibilities!​​​​
Community Assessments
Funding in-depth community assessments using professionally trained consultants to identify how the neighborhood your church is in has changed and what needs you may be able to fulfill with your facilities, volunteers, or programming.​​
Internal Updates
Identifying internal systems, structures, policies, or procedures that are routinely keeping your church from being its best, most effective self, and using grant funding for training, retreats, updated technology and software.​​
Virtual Upgrades
Developing new virtual ministry and mission endeavors and using grant funding to update technology, create promotional tools, and so forth.​​
Community Collaborations
Partnering with community organizations to provide space for programs; using grant funding to make necessary facility updates, promotional materials, supplies, and so forth.​
Processing Grief
Working with a group grief counselor to help your congregation navigate the very real pathways of group depression and loss remaining from the pandemic or other causes, assisting them to process their trauma and move into a more hopeful future.
Accessing Other Supports
Accessing training and consulting from other organizations focused on facilities use, launching new ministries, and so forth. (Your coach and Program Team will have suggestions once you've begun identifying needs.)
And God has even more possibilities in store for you.
Note: It is best refrain from pre-determining what you think the grant should be used for in your setting. Allow God to work with you through the cohort and the coach to discern and implement a plan.
The "What?"
When accepted into the program, your church will be part of a cohort of churches for the year of the initiative. These cohorts will have virtual sessions together, facilitated by the Program Director, throughout the year to get to know your region siblings, to support one another, share ideas, learnings, frustrations, and joys, and pray together. You will be well on your way towards a long-term relationship if you choose to continue as a community of practice together!