Post on 13-Dec-2015
Co-Sponsorship for Small Congregations
CWS/LancasterImmigration & Refugee Program
Why pursue small churches?
• May say “yes” more quickly…less red tape• Fewer big projects going on• Part of a larger local network
Small Church Dynamics
• In a small congregation, the entire community is able to embrace the refugee family.– Larger percentage of
membership involved– Awareness of “new
faces” in the flock
Small Church Dynamics
• Pastor Bonnie & St. Peter’s Church– ESL and community
orientation classes– Needed to draw help from
the neighborhood– One or two volunteers are
church members…5-7 live nearby the church
Not Enough Money???• Partnership with another local
church that has $$$ but no man-power
• CWS/Lancaster coaches the church to use the refugee’s resettlement grant most effectively
• CWS/Lancaster directs general donations toward additional rent assistance for the family if necessary