STRATEGIC INVESTMENT (continued)
affect this value. One congregation runs a daycare program
in its building, which meets building code requirements;
the other building isn’t certified for daycare. If the merged
congregation decides to move to the building that doesn’t
meet childcare requirements, it will have to decide
whether to end the program or spend money to bring the
building up to code. This choice has financial impacts on
the congregation and social impacts on the community.
Partners recently presented its initial findings to both
congregations. The aim of its research was to present a
variety of factors that can inform good decision making.
As Reverend Greg Holston, pastor at Mt. Carmel and
Tioga says, “Partners is very good at giving us a holistic
understanding of both church and community.”
Partners also expects to work with the EPCUMC and
congregations to raise funds to provide the following:
• capacity-building training to strengthen congregational
leadership, program development, and fundraising
• in-depth planning for shared or adaptive use, including
hands-on support for the long-term use of space for arts
organizations and social servic