How can your congregation engage in the community?

Resource
from 7 Creative Models for Community Ministry

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Donate Goods or Money

Pros and Cons (pp. 42-53)

• Can be simple and inexpensive
• Not as relational as other models
• Does not address deeper personal
  and structural issues that contribute
  to the need
  Tips to Remember
• Seek information about what is
  needed (pp. 44-46)
• Communicate needs clearly with
  attenders (p. 52)
• Consider unrestricted giving for
  monetary donations (pp. 49-50)

Mobilize Volunteers

Pros and Cons (pp. 54-56)

• Supporting, not duplicating existing
  community efforts
• More relational
• More attainable for congregations
  that cannot organize their own
  programs
• Some attenders may be too busy
  Tips to Remember
• Match volunteering opportunities
  with attenders’ strengths and
  interests (pp. 58-60, 62-63)
• Communicate opportunities with
  clear instructions and expectations
  (p. 62-64, 66)
• Provide training, if needed (pp. 64-
  65)

Partner with Other Organizations

Pros and Cons (pp. 68-70)

• Avoids duplicating existing
  community efforts
• Can maximize staff and volunteers,
  resources, and space
• Takes time to develop collaboration,
  clear expectations
  Tips to Remember
• Carefully choose partners (pp. 73-
  74)
• Develop clear expectations and roles
  (pp. 69-71)
• Engage in open and frequent
  communication (pp. 79-80)

Advocate around Public Policy

Pros and Cons (pp. 82-84)

• Can result in structural change
• Contributes to in-depth knowledge of
  social issues
• Often involves interfaith
  collaboration
• May be too political for some
  congregations
• Does not always result in desired
  change
  Tips to Remember
• Match area of advocacy to
  congregations’ interests and identity
  (pp. (91-92)
• Partner with local, regional, national,
  or international policy organization
  (pp. 80-90)
• Develop theological rationale for
  advocacy (p. 91)

Engage in Community Organizing

Pros and Cons (pp. 96-100)

• Is more relational with a stronger
  focus on empowering the community
• Contributes to in-depth knowledge of
  social issues
• Often involves interfaith
  collaboration
• May be too political for some
  congregations
• Can result in structural change but
  does not always do so
  Tips to Remember
• Involve and build relationships with
  a wide range of people (pp. 103-104)
• Identify and equip grassroots leaders
  (p. 104)
• Identify issue, which officials to
  engage, and desired change (pp. 105-
  107)

Develop a Ministry Program

Pros and Cons (pp. 111-114)

• Can tailor to interests and identity of
  congregation
• Can address community issues that
  other organizations are not focusing
  on
• Needs clear vision and effective
  implementation
• Requires more resources and
  expertise
  Tips to Remember
• Align program goals with attenders’
  interests and congregational identity
  (p. 122)
• Develop a clear program design and
  specific goals (pp. 117-121)
• Ensure that the program does not
  duplicate other community efforts (p.
  111)
• Consider whether your congregation
  has the resources (staffing, financial
  resources, facilities, etc.) to develop
  its own program (p. 111)

Create a Nonprofit

Pros and Cons (pp. 126-129)

• Engages a wider range of volunteers,
  funding opportunities
• Can drift from faith orientation,
  connection to congregation
• Often requires more financial
  resources
• Unattainable for many congregations
  Tips to Remember
• Consider whether the congregation
  has the capacity to launch a nonprofit
  (pp. 125-126)
• Develop a board of directors and
  clarify its role vis-à-vis the
  congregation (pp. 131-136)
• Commit to long-term partnership
  with nonprofit and its board (pp.
  137-139)

For more information, please see: Joy F. Skjegstad. 2013. 7 Creative Models for Community Ministry. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press.