Thriving in
a Fragmented World 

The present challenges that churches face are many and deeply rooted. Denominations are struggling, and in some cases fragmenting. Racism continues to segregate our geography, with profound effects on our churches. And as a new study from PRRI indicates, a broad gap exists between the convictions of clergy and laity in many congregations. And in spite of all these challenges (described in the articles below), we believe it is possible for churches to thrive in this climate.
 

Cultivating Communities works alongside cohorts of churches that are in close-proximity to each other, providing resources and helping them discern what it might look like for their congregations and their places to flourish. Our first three cohorts (one in the mountains of East Tennessee, one on the west side of Chicago, and one in Indianapolis) are now underway.

(Learn more about our cohorts and 
the Cultivating Communities Learning Journey)

Denominations are dying. But the church can still thrive. The collapse of denominationalism offers not just difficulties but real opportunities for local congregations to flourish. Certainly, they will need to be nimbler and more self-reliant, but new networks of support and learning can be crafted from the ashes of the old. Perhaps most importantly, denominationalism’s end will place churches’ focus on the place where it can have the most impact — its local community. ( via Sojourners )

White Protestant clergy more progressive than their congregations. White mainline Protestant clergy are more supportive of LGBTQ rights, abortion rights and racial justice than their congregations, according to a new survey that reflects how political divisions are roiling many American churches. The survey by the Public Religion Research Institute is the latest indication of why disagreements over social issues have rippled through many congregations — often leading to "political church shopping" and increasingly polarized views of religion. (via Axios)