study suggests that groups of congregations could be brought together to benefit from this kind of support – encouraging them to reflect on their relationship with their buildings and grounds ; to see property as an asset for ministry rather than something to be protected and guarded ; and to encourage them to talk with others in the community about the possibilities for reactivating unused and underutilized space .
There are compelling reasons for philanthropy , government and the nonprofit sector to support the initiatives described above . Strategic initiatives based on research provide a solid foundation for growing congregational impact and strengthening communities . The many organizations that fund congregations in North Carolina can be encouraged to collaborate to ensure that efforts are coordinated and have maximum impact .
Congregations The larger story told here is compelling . However , individual congregations also have important stories to tell . All participating congregations were given the option of receiving a report containing their individual results as well as practical guidance related to putting the numbers to use . Many said yes . Economic Halo Effect data can be used by a congregation to :
• Bolster fundraising efforts – especially significant capital campaigns and annual stewardship campaigns
• Strengthen grant applications
• Raise the congregation ’ s profile when shared with civic leaders and local press
• Improve congregational morale We hope that the congregations will apply their results to their day-to-day work
Photo by Rev . Amy Lambert
Many congregations said that simply participating in the Halo study inspired ideas for new programmatic initiatives or partnerships . This feedback was offered spontaneously in many interviews . In part , this is because Partners ’ researchers walked congregations through a comprehensive list of programs a church might offer or be involved with – from prison reentry programs to food cooperatives . This exercise , which comprises a significant part of the interview process , opened the eyes of many pastors to previously unimagined possibilities and sparked thinking related to community needs and potential partners .
Partners ’ staff stays in touch with congregations they have worked with on projects such as this study , and the churches that participated will be no exception . Partners will follow these congregations to track their progress as they leverage the data , and to help them make the most of their buildings as assets for outreach and community service .
Future Research All research has limitations , and this study is no exception . This study was limited to rural UMCs , which do not reflect the full breadth and diversity of rural congregations . In the future , if funding were to become available , the research team would like to expand the study to include congregations from other denominational backgrounds or other faith traditions
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