• What will happen if the church is closed ?
• Who will be affected ?
• What programs will be displaced ?
• What does the future of this community look like ?
These sorts of questions are familiar to the United Methodist Church . Leading with an emphasis on service and community is part of the DNA of the denomination .
Conversely , considering congregational impact when developing new initiatives or investments in churches could ensure that congregations that typically do not have access to such opportunities are positioned to grow their impact or even spark regeneration . Congregations that are making a significant impact by participating with other non-profits and congregations are especially well positioned to thrive with the right mix of leadership and investment .
Government and Philanthropy There are good reasons for the public sector across North Carolina to take note as well . Rural UMCs are keenly aware of the assets and needs in their communities , and are working to provide a “ safety net ” where government benefits do not suffice . They excel at addressing food insecurity and childcare access , in particular .
• Food programming is almost universal among rural UMCs , which operate and host food pantries ; offer regular sit-down meals ; and distribute food to local schoolchildren who are in need of supplementary food for nights and weekends .
• Using education wings that once housed Sunday school programs , they operate and rent to ( usually at below market rates ) early childhood education programs and after-school programs .
When developing programing related to these issues , governments and philanthropic institutions could do more to include congregations . They are trusted communitybased institutions with unique insight , they are willing and able to open their doors in partnership with others , and they serve far beyond their membership .
Photo by Rev . Lauren Anderson , Prospect UMC .
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE ENGAGEMENT
Rural UMCs , for the most part , were built at a time when congregations were larger and Sunday school was as important , if not more important , than other activities . This means that many have more space than they need or that they can use . There is a great opportunity to repurpose and reactivate these spaces in strategic and community-minded ways . Several of the churches in the study have utilized their space to meet their community ’ s needs . These congregations have offered food , youth and other programs and have become incubators for creative problem solving .
Wesley Community Development , based in Huntersville , exemplifies the kind of nonprofit that works with congregations to do this . This nonprofit helps North Carolina churches develop or repurpose real estate to best meet church and community needs . This
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