Category: Social Justice

Posted in Church Decline, Church Growth & Vitality, External Relations, Faith Formation, LGBTQ / ONA, Mission and Vision, Social Justice Tagged with

17 min 03 s

Rev. Dr. Todd Grant Yonkman

  • It was a white church with people of color in it, rather than a truly multiracial multicultural model.
  • The message shifted from, You’re welcome if you come to, we want you here.
  • Racial justice work and church vitality work are, in my approach, connected; they go together.
  • Whatever town you are in, there are people of color there that you can build authentic relationships with, and you can do this work!
  • You know the relationship is authentic when you’re inviting their stories and experiences to change you also. Granby Racial Reconciliation;
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Posted in Assessments and Evaluations, Buildings and Property, Change Management, Church Decline, Contracting and Negotiating Before Beginning, External Relations, Legal, Mission and Vision, Social Justice Tagged with

12 min 33 s

Rev. Dr. Rochelle (Shelly) Stackhouse

  • Book of Acts reminds us that the first congregations shared space;
  • Many New England churches originally called themselves “meeting houses” – places for all kinds of meetings, not just Sunday worship;
  • Assessing the many ways your congregation adds value to your community;
  • “Partners for Sacred Places” can help your church think creatively about uses for your building;
  • Over the centuries, churches have functioned as patrons of the arts;
  • Integrating social justice in multi-purposing your space;
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Posted in Administration, Children and Youth, Church Growth & Vitality, External Relations, Faith Formation, Leadership Development, Social Justice, Spiritual Formation, Team Building Tagged with

22 min 39 s

Rev. Joe Motz

Reverend Motz discusses his innovative approach to local  multi-day mission trips;

Initial challenges included finding organizations to serve and raising funds;

Key role played by local government and business support;

Success measured by personal and community transformation & fostering a sense of relevance and connection within the church and community; Trip details – planning, roles, and daily routines.

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