Reimagining Networks, Cooperative Parishes, and Multi-Church Charges

Helping Churches Thrive
Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis
Word cloud of words from article with "local churches thrive" in large text.

Many small membership churches are on the verge of closing and in hospice mode, medium-sized churches face decreasing attendance and budget and struggle to afford a full-time pastor and staff, while some large churches that once were the leaders in their community struggle to be God’s light to their community.

For some, the answer to helping churches to begin growing again is to group churches into networks, cooperative parishes, and multi-church charges. There is a belief that churches will be stronger if they pray, plan, work, and fellowship with each other.

There are some shining examples of networks, cooperative parishes, and multi-church charges helping the members of churches grow. However, one size does not fit all, and some churches in the above groups continue to struggle.

Here is how we might tweak multi-church groups to help small churches thrive.

First, allow some churches the freedom to join a multi-church group around affinity, not geographical location. Currently, groups are developed around geographical proximity rather than affinity. Let us have affinity networks, cooperative parishes, and multi-church charges where churches and pastors choose to join and are committed to the group's churches, laity, and pastors.

Second, the multi-church affinity group would be designed to help pastors and laity continue to develop their leadership skills. The affinity group focus will help pastors and laity learn to share leadership as they empower their local church to thrive.

Third, the multi-church group helps pastors and laity grow as disciples through prayer and study. The mission of the church is to make disciples. The affinity group will help members take time at each meeting to listen to God’s voice through prayer, hear God's word, and worship God every time they meet.

Fourth, multi-church groups will help pastors and congregational leaders to guide their local church in developing a clear vision. The affinity group will help laity and pastors equip their local church to develop a unique vision for their community and tools to enable their church members to be the body of Christ to fulfill the vision.

Fifth, affinity multi-church groups are committed to helping each other and being helped by each other. Because we are all on the journey of faith, we know the importance of community. The affinity group helps each church when they need support and celebrates successes. Because meetings help laity and pastors learn from each other and are supported by each other, and we see value in our churches, we are willing to commit our time and energy to being present.

The Academy for Small Membership Church Ministries' vision is: “Small membership churches thrive.”

We invite you to the upcoming webinar as we explore Reimagining Networks, Cooperative Parishes, and Multi-Church Charges to Help Churches Thrive.

Leader: The Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis, Executive Director, The Academy for Small Membership Church Ministries

When: March 16, 2021, 9-11:00 a.m. CT

Where: Online via Zoom

Schedule:

  • 9:00 a.m. Greeting
  • 9:05 a.m. Worship
  • 9:30 a.m. Presentation Helping My/Our Church Thrive Rev. Dr. Carl K Ellis
  • 10:00 a.m. Small Groups
  • 10:50 a.m. Closing Comments and Prayers

Registration: $5 per person or $20/church for 4 or more persons from the same church

To register, visit Reimagining Networks, Cooperative Parishes, and Multi-Church Charges to Help Churches Thrive; the registration form is at the bottom of that page.