There has been much buzz around the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s efforts to push for 1,001 new worshiping communities in the next 10 years, and the Presbyterian Foundation is eager to get involved.
“We want to get behind it,” said the Rev. Tom Taylor at the Foundation’s June 27-29 Board of Trustees meeting.
The grassroots movement is not a denominational program, but rather a commitment to create the conditions that allow new and existing worshiping communities to flourish. All six of the PC(USA)’s agencies are encouraged to work together in new ways to help meet the goal.
The Foundation, working with the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program, has looked at new ways to use money once reserved for brick-and-mortar projects. The Foundation estimates it can spend $1.8-2 million a year on the 1,001 movement.
“We’re really trying to make the rubber meet the road,” Taylor said.
The board also discussed the Foundation’s Presbyterian Mission Exchange, an online “giving hub” that allows Presbyterians to search for and give to ministries that speak to them. Ministries can use the site to enhance stewardship through online giving and access resources on capital campaigns, planned giving and endowment development.
The board also reviewed its work with the other five agencies, which includes fundraising assistance, building relationships and consultations on endowments.