The Presbyterian Churches in St. Joseph County, Indiana, are struggling. Five of the six churches are perilously close to closing. This is reflective of the condition of the Presbyterian Church USA which has lost 42% of its membership in 28 years. This project set out to strengthen local churches by creating relationships between congregations and their members. This was rooted in God’s call for people of faith to support, nourish and care for one another. The challenge is that churches have been serving in isolation. Congregations and members have not been connected to one another. Thus, this project sought to build community among the churches as a first step toward strengthening congregations. Sessions were interviewed using Appreciative Inquiry. These conversations established positive trust as well as interest in connecting churches together. This built on author Peter Block’s affirmation that community offers the promise of belonging and leads us away from conversations about safety to a focus on hospitality and generosity. A County Presbyterian Coordinating Team was recruited and launched. A large fellowship gathering successfully drew churches and members into community. Strong good will was created for connecting and strengthening congregations through future worship, fellowship and mission events.
