Hope Partnership’s ecumenical services
Hope Services is a ministry of Disciples Church Extension Fund. Hope exists to inspire courageous leadership and to connect congregations to God’s mission.
The precursor to Hope developed the infrastructure to help establish nearly 1,000 new congregations in the Disciples of Christ, and now Hope has served more than 1,000 congregations in transformation. Its list includes hundreds of Presbyterian, MSLC, Episcopal, and United Church of Christ congregations in the US and Canada.
Hope does not rely on consultative methods; rather it focuses on experiential processes that redirect the focus of congregational leaders towards engaging people in God’s mission. Hope does not focus on institutional management with long range planning or developing mission statements; but focuses leaders on asking insightful questions that engage the church in mobilizing resources in such a way that it makes a difference in the lives of people it serves—and a marked difference in the community.
Hope is unique in the fact that it engages non-synoptic planning processes that help leaders redirect their focus towards developing congregations that make a difference. Hope probes deep demographics on your specific area of mission, does comprehensive reviews of the congregation’s building and resources, and facilitates leaders in developing their future story with plans for implementation.
New Beginnings is for the congregation that knows it can’t continue ‘as is’ but doesn’t yet know what to do—and needs to make a choice.
Over 1,000 congregations have engaged the New Beginnings process, with 99% finding clarity and embracing a new vision for their future ministry.
Purpose: During the ~9-month process you will clarify your context, explore your options, and make an informed decision about your future direction.
Outcome: 99% of all congregations decide on a future path. Of those churches:
- 60% choose some form of mission re-visioning
- 35% chose to redevelop the church
- 5% choose to close, providing their assets for creating new ministry
Target Audience: Congregations seeking to know their options and imagine a new future direction for their ministry
Epiphany is for the congregation longing to become a transforming presence both inside and outside of its church walls.
The Epiphany service is designed to help your congregation imagine, and then live into, a new vision for mission.
Purpose: During the one+ year process your congregation’s leaders will shift the focus from “what” you are doing to “why.” By finding clarity on why you exist, your congregation will discover innovative ways to do ministry and transform your community.
Outcome: Church leaders find their longing for mission and inspire transformation in their congregation and their community.
Discover how your congregation can be a place of transformation.
