The Advantages to Community When Churches Work Together

 


Communities thrive when people come together to support one another, and one of the best ways churches can help their communities is by working together. 

When different churches collaborate, they can have a much bigger positive impact than when they work alone. These partnerships offer numerous advantages, like providing better services to building stronger connections among community members.

It is past time for church members to be asking their leaders about working together cooperatively with other local congregations in support of the community and neighbors.

MORE RESOURCES

One of the biggest advantages of churches working together is the ability to offer more resources to those in need. 

Churches often have food pantries, clothing drives, and shelters to support families facing hardship. However, no single church can meet all the needs of a large community on its own. 

When churches join forces, they can combine their resources, such as money, volunteers, and supplies, to make sure more people are helped. This means fewer people will go hungry or homeless, and more children can receive education and after-school programs.

GREATER SENSE OF UNITY

Another benefit of churches working together is that it can create a greater sense of unity within a community. 

Often, churches are divided by denomination, which means people who belong to different types of churches may not interact much with each other. However, when churches collaborate, it shows that they share common goals, such as helping those in need and spreading kindness. 

Division among churches also communicates to a community that church leaders and goers cannot get along with people not like them. That is a bad message to send.

Collaboration among churches can reduce divisions between different groups of people, helping them find common ground. When a community is united, it is stronger and better able to face challenges.

TACKLE BIGGER ISSUES

Working together also allows churches to tackle bigger community issues. For example, a single church may not have the resources to help fight poverty or support local schools, but by teaming up with other churches, they can work on projects that have a larger impact. 

Churches can come together to develop a counseling center, host job training programs, strengthen families with marriage conferences, provide clothing and food for those in need, or sponsor youth activities. 

These larger projects can make a significant difference in the lives of people in the area, helping them to find better jobs, learn new skills, or build relationships with others in their community.

OPPORTUNITIES TO CONNECT

when churches work together, they create more opportunities for people to connect with each other.

Churches are often places where people form friendships, and when multiple churches come together, they offer more chances for people from different backgrounds to meet and interact. This can help break down social barriers and encourage people to show more understanding and support for one another. 

For example, a community event or worship service involving several churches will bring people from various walks of life together, fostering a greater sense of belonging and shared purpose.

TOGETHER, CHURCHES ARE STRONGER

Finally, churches that collaborate can make their voices stronger when advocating for community needs. 

Local governments often listen to groups with large support bases, and when churches join together, they can push for changes in their neighborhoods, such as better schools, safer streets, or more public services. 

A united front from several churches can be more persuasive than a single church speaking out, allowing them to bring attention to important issues that affect everyone in the community.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

There are many advantages to churches working together in a community. They can provide more resources, create unity, tackle bigger problems, offer more opportunities for connection, and strengthen their voice when advocating for change. 

By joining forces, churches can build a stronger, more compassionate community where everyone has the support they need to thrive.

PERSONAL NOTE

If you live in Republic, Ash Grove or Willard, ask your pastors and leaders about their involvement with the local ministerial alliance if that type of partnership still exists. And if it does not, takes steps to get church leaders talking and connecting so work can be done together.


Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.

 


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