Over the past several weeks, we’ve been encouraged by stories of churches increasing their reach through digital ministry. However, COVID-19 has caused a global economic crisis that has led to uncertain times and skyrocketing unemployment. This kind of crisis can cripple young church plants, many of which are trying to grow their small core of regular attenders and givers.
To assist these young churches that are helping people in their communities meet, know and follow Jesus, Converge has launched the Converge Church Planting Cares Act. Funds from this initiative will help Converge church plants that have held their grand opening less than three years ago with a financial grant ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.
“Many young churches face financial challenges because of their age,” said Lee Stephenson, Converge executive director of church planting. “It takes time to establish trust and buy-in where new people support the vision generously. Many of these new churches are also filled with new Christians that are still learning the idea of living generously and supporting their local church’s mission.”
The Converge Church Planting Cares Act fund has a $500,000 capital cash value, which Converge Church Planting desires to use in its entirety. Interested churches can apply using the application at this link. Requests will be considered under specific criteria in the order in which they are received. Not all requests will necessarily be granted. Funding is at the discretion of the processing team.
“This is an opportunity for us to walk with some of our most vulnerable churches and show them that we care and that we are in this with them,” Stephenson said. “We are a family, and when one of our churches is hurting or struggling, we all hurt. I’m thankful we’re in a position to help. It’s definitely a benefit of being a part of a larger movement of churches.”
Church plants under three years of age interested in receiving financial assistance should fill out the Converge Church Planting Cares Act grant application. The qualification form will be sent to the church’s respective Converge District Executive Minister, who will make the official request to the processing team on the church’s behalf.
