wfn.org | ABCUSA: National Ministries Awarded Small Church Grant

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Richard.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 1/21/04)--The Frank E.
Clark Charitable Trust has awarded National Ministries $75,000 to support
small American Baptist congregations in small communities.

The two-year grant will be used to help churches undertake a process of
congregational transformation that will foster optimum health and relevance,
supporting the American Baptist Churches USA NEW LIFE 2010 goal to reach
1,000,010 new disciples by 2010.

Each of six learning communities to be established across the United States
through American Baptist Churches regions will receive $6,250.	With four to
eight churches per learning community, the grant will impact a minimum of 24
congregations but could impact as many as 48.

Grant funds will enable a learning community coordinator in each region to
be trained in National Ministries' recommended transformation
process-Natural Church Development-that outlines eight essential qualities
of healthy churches. Additional trainers and resources to address the
learning communities' topical needs will be provided by grant funds as well.

To participate in this transformation program, congregations must meet these
criteria:
* annual expense budget of less than $250,000;
* located in a community of fewer than 50,000; 
* average Sunday attendance of less than 150; and
* American Baptist Churches USA congregation in good standing with its
region.

The Frank E. Clark Charitable Trust in New York City provides support to
religious and charitable organizations, focusing on small churches in small
communities and programs offering services to low-income adults, including
the homeless.

For information about the application process contact the Rev. Dr. Harry
Riggs, who coordinates National Ministries' congregational transformation
strategies, at 1-800-ABC-3USA/x2412 or harry.riggs@abc-usa.org.

K/2004ABNS/04ABN7

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA x2077
/ (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org