Why Support CI?
By Gary Pearce

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That is a very good question. Why should I support an organization that charges fees for most all its services? Aren’t there other, better places to contribute money?

One answer came from a partner of ours who serves Presbyterian churches in the northeastern part of the U.S. As I drove him to the airport to catch his flight home we got on the topic of funding, a topic of mutual concern. He said, “We need to make sure CI has enough money to survive because you are the only organization I know that can help us with this process (of becoming missional).” (That may not be an exact quote – I was the one driving – but it’s very close.) He made the statement because he has experienced first-hand the dramatic change that happens when congregations become truly missional.

The process to which he was referring is the Partnership for Missional Church (PMC). He is one of a growing number of trusted partners actively involved in creating a context where churches and judicatory leaders embark on a journey to discern what God is already doing in their communities and how to join in that mission.

Not a program, PMC is a structured process that guides churches on the journey. Every process, however, needs some structure and support tools, and that requires money. While the fees that CI receives from participants in PMC cover much of the direct expense, there are other investments being made that are not covered.

Congregational working materials have been revised to capture what we have learned from those churches that have recently made the PMC journey, improving the process for those just beginning their journey. The training and support for judicatory staff continues to be improved, as well as the materials they use. One very important part of the PMC process works to return pastors to their role as spiritual leaders. A complete update of that process is nearing completion.

These are all much-needed investments that will make the PMC process even stronger.

Yes, there are many needs and worthwhile causes to support. That will always be true. I also believe PMC is vital work for the life and health of the Church, and I invite you to become part of it. You can make a gift online, or send a gift to CI at 1563 Como Ave., Suite 103, Saint. Paul, MN 55108.

Thanks for your partnership.

Gary S. Pearce is the Finance Manager and Director of Development at Church Innovations.