Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Contact: D.J. Jordan

703-915-0897

 

Churches Helping Churches Challenge Will Continue in May, Host Major Benefit Simulcast with Pulse

Lecrae, Lauren Daigle and others to join online benefit event to raise funds for churches at-risk of closing due to COVID-19 

 

ATLANTA, GA - The Churches Helping Churches Challenge today announced that the initiative will continue throughout May, in an effort to help more churches that are at-risk due to COVID-19. In just over four weeks, the challenge has raised $431,000 from 471 donors and identified 125 churches for grants. However, the need far outweighs the available funds, as just over 1,200 churches have applied for assistance. Partner organization, Pulse, will host a major online benefit simulcast on May 15 to raise additional support for these congregations. The event will be broadcast at: www.TogetherGeneration.com/CHC  

 

This initiative was launched by the AND Campaign and other Christian organizations on April 3rd to urge larger, more stable churches to assist at-risk churches in their own community. The effort also created the COVID-19 Church Relief Fund to award $3,000 grants to assist congregations in need.

 

“I have been blown away by the generosity of the body of Christ, but I have been overwhelmed and saddened by the great need that exists with many churches and communities across America,” said Justin Giboney, President of the AND Campaign. “We serve a God that is the hope of the world, and He is moving and ministering through many of these small churches. Now is the time for us to come together to bear each other’s burdens.”

 

Under the banner of Together 2020, Pulse, RightNow Media and Reach Records are sponsoring the simulcast on May 15th, covering the costs for world-class production for this event. Performing artists for this simulcast will include Lecrae, Lauren Daigle, Toby Mac, and many others yet to be named. Former NFL star Benjamin Watson will also participate in the special event.

 

"Pulse has always existed to work in, through, and for the local church. And now, in the midst of this pandemic, our local churches are suffering—especially those in urban and immigrant communities,” said Nick Hall, founder of Pulse and visionary for Together 2020. “It's time for us all to come together to meet this urgent need."

 

The COVID-19 Church Relief Fund grants are managed and administered by the National Christian Foundation and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to at-risk churches. More churches will be identified for grants based on the available funds that are raised.

 

###

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Friday, April 3, 2020

Contact: D.J. Jordan

703-915-0897

 

Christian Groups Come Together To Help Small Churches At Risk of Closing Due to Coronavirus Economic Shutdown

 

Benjamin Watson and National Evangelical Leaders Support New Initiative To Provide Grants and Urge Larger Churches to Help Small Congregations in Their Community

 

ATLANTA, GA - Several national Christian groups and leaders, led by the AND Campaign, today announced an initiative to help small churches throughout the U.S. that are at-risk of closing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The effort, which includes leaders like former NFL player Benjamin Watson, is called the Churches Helping Churches Challenge, and it is targeted to assist congregations in low-income communities in urban areas that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 economic shutdown.

 

According to a recent Barna Group survey, thousands of pastors (7%) are unsure or not confident that their church will survive the coronavirus pandemic and nearly a quarter of American churches (22%) have already reduced staff hours, reduced compensation, or laid off employees. Another recent Axios-Ipsos poll found that low-income Americans are now far more likely to be at risk of coronavirus infection or job loss.

 

“Although the federal government has moved to provide some assistance to Americans and nonprofits, we believe that the church should be the first to help their brothers and sisters in need,” said Justin Giboney, President of AND Campaign. “Many of our churches in low-income, urban areas have been hit hard because of the virus’ spread in densely populated areas and the loss of jobs for hourly workers, who cannot do their work remotely.”

 

This Churches Helping Churches Challenge urges larger, more stable churches to assist at-risk churches in their own community. On its website, www.ChurchRelief.org, the Initiative has provided guidance and best practices for how large churches can pursue this type of outreach.

 

In addition, to help encourage generosity by stable churches, this Initiative creates a COVID-19 At-Risk Church Relief Fund that provides $3,000 grants to small churches who are at risk of closing within the next three months due to a steep loss in financial giving. The initial goal of the fund is to raise at least $500,000 during the month of April from Christian donors, foundations and large churches. Already, the Initiative has secured the commitment of $100,000 toward the fund. The grants will be administered by the National Christian Foundation and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to at-risk churches.

 

“It’s a very challenging time for our nation, and especially for many of our low-income communities,” said Benjamin Watson, former Super Bowl winning NFL player and Walter Payton Man-of-the-Year Award finalist. “My wife and I are honored to support this initiative to help churches, many of whom are pillars of hope and charity for their community in times of crisis. I want to invite all Christian organizations and followers of Jesus Christ who are able to help to come together and find ways to support these vulnerable churches and their congregations.”

 

Organizations, churches and individuals who want to give towards the fund and pastors of small at-risk churches can apply at www.ChurchRelief.org. Applications for grants will begin to be processed on Monday, April 6.

 

“Regardless of whatever assistance our society may ultimately provide, the Body of Christ should be the first to help at-risk churches,” said Joshua Crossman, board member of Pinetops Foundation, a Christian philanthropy. “Our foundation and many others are eager to play a role in helping encourage churches to partner together for the good of their communities and the glory of God. We are grateful for the AND Campaign’s leadership in this moment and the many partner organizations who have responded so quickly and powerfully. It’s deeply encouraging.”

 

Along with the AND Campaign, the Initiative is supported and organized by a collection of Christian groups and leaders, including the Pinetops Foundation, Movement Day, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Church of God in Christ (COGIC) denomination, Pinkston Group, National Latino Evangelical Coalition, Jude 3 Project, and Pulse Movement.

 

The Initiative’s National Board of Reference includes Benjamin Watson, Joshua Crossman, Kevin Palau (President and CEO, Luis Palau Association); Bishop Claude Alexander (The Park Church, Charlotte, NC); Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile (Anacostia River Church, Washington, DC); Rev. Samuel Rodriguez (President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference); Pastor Bryan Carter (Concord Church, Dallas, TX); Bishop Timothy J. Clarke (First Church of God, Columbus, OH); Dr. Charlie Dates (Progressive Baptist Church, Chicago, IL); Bob Doll (Chief Equity Strategist and Senior Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management); The Honorable Wilson Goode (former Mayor of Philadelphia); Nick Hall (Founder, PULSE Movement); Bishop Vincent Mathews, Jr. (Missions President, Church of God in Christ denomination); Dr. Mac Pier (Founder and CEO, New York City Leadership Center & Founder, Movement Day); Rev. Gabriel Salguero (President, National Latino Evangelical Coalition); and Dr. Jeff Warren (Park Cities Baptist Church, Dallas TX).

 

###