Annual Fund – Resources for Regional Church Ministry
Your gifts make a difference!
There are so many good reasons to support the Regional church. Every day, lives are changed, congregations are blessed, gifted are blended with miraculous results.
We are all aware of changes in the life of the local congregation. Many have experienced declines in membership and in finances. Disciples outreach giving has declined sharply in recent years. To maintain healthy, vital ministry the Regional church started the Annual Fund about ten years ago. Individuals are making direct gifts to invest in life-changing, life-giving ministry throughout Illinois and Wisconsin.
To see the Annual Fund Fact Sheet, filled with pictures and the many facets of Regional church ministry, click here.
Our Ministry Together in the Regional Church (CCIW)
The Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin, or CCIW, exists to support local congregations. We are committed to high-quality ministry that provides services not available elsewhere – helping congregations in times of crisis, providing camps for our children and youth, helping congregations call their next pastor, partnering to do global ministry together. The Annual Fund provides an opportunity for individuals to partner with this vital ministry by supporting it financially.
Camps for our children and youth. Both campers and counselors give witness to the holy, powerful experience of their week at camp. At camp, they find opportunities to be close to God, to grow in faith, and to learn how to be leaders. The love and acceptance experienced at camp give our young Disciples a hopeful approach to life. Friendships that last a lifetime are created there. Many of our ministers say they received their call to ministry at church camp.
Helping congregations in times of crisis. When facing important – and often difficult – decisions, congregational leaders need help. Regional ministers can help them work through the issues, ask good questions, offer insight, and talk about how other churches have successfully dealt with similar situations. The knowledge and guidance from someone outside the congregation can make all the difference.
Helping congregations call their next pastor. Search committee chairs can testify to faithful service of Regional staff members. As a partner in the process, the staff member offers the names of qualified ministerial candidates and walks with the search committee throughout the entire procedure. When there are challenging issues, the staff person can offer experience and guidance to help the search committee make good decisions. A word of encouragement and a broader perspective can be of great value when there is much at stake for the life of a congregation.
Partnering to do Global ministry together. Since 2011, we have been in ministerial partnership with the Ecumenical Christian Council of Guatemala. We have sent delegations to Guatemala and learned more about unity. Unity is not just an option to consider, it is required for our survival as Christians. In Guatemala, it really is a matter of life and death. Church leaders and church members have supported one another in face of tremendous challenges. We’ve expanded our relationships with Global Ministries in Indianapolis, we broadened our connections to the wider church.
What will you give to the Annual Fund? Click here to give online or send your gift to CCIW, 401 West Jefferson St, Bloomington, IL 61701