Action Steps for Forming a Congregational Community Partnership

  1. Cultivate an awareness of the needs and sensitivity to the concerns of the surrounding community in the congregations.
  2. Ministers and other congregational leaders build relationships with local organizations that share a common vision and are enthusiastic about working together
  3. Community organizations are invited to introduce themselves to the congregation, strengthening the relationship between the two potential partners.
  4. Liaisons are established to facilitate communication and joint social justice efforts.
  5. Ministers take a leading role in representing the congregation in the community by working for social justice.
  6. Lay leadership, including youth, is developed through relationship building and hands-on organizing.
  7. Congregations are continually involved in and informed about the partnership through weekly worship, prayer, emails and religious education. Organizing and advocacy opportunities are offered.
  8. Openness to new partners and collaborative work as community needs demand or opportunities present themselves.

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