The Congregational Vitality Committee (CVC) currently supports emerging faith communities through grants from the Mountain Sky Conference budget, the Emerging Faith Community Endowment, and other designated funds. The CVC accepts three grant applications for different stages of an emerging faith community’s development.
The Exploration Grant is up to $5000 for teams to explore and assess the feasibility of planting a dependent or independent emerging faith community. The CVC accepts these grants quarterly (deadlines of January 15, March 15, June 15, and October 15). It is awarded based on an evaluation of the application and availability of funds within 45 days of the deadline.
The Implementation Grant is for funding relating to planting an emerging faith community. The award of an Implementation Grant is a BIG step in growing an emerging faith community both for the team and the conference. Considerably preparation must be accomplished before, including
Implementation Grants are considered annually by the committee. Applications are due January 15.
Emerging Faith Community teams currently receive funding from the CVC and want funding to continue must apply annually. These requests are due each year by January 15th.
Coordination with the Bishop, District Superintendent, and Cabinet is needed for a successful plant. Each of the above grant applications requires a District Superintendent Advisory Form to be completed and submitted with the application.
For established congregations interested in participating in a Parent/Child church plant or multi-site expansion, we offer support to help discern your readiness for that project. This includes a congregational survey utilized nationally by more than 700 congregations. It can also include an onsite consultation. If you are interested, please contact us at vitality@mtnskyumc.org.
For individuals interested in exploring the possibility of being a church planter, we offer scholarships to attend a discernment event. We also have an evaluation process that helps you identify your strengths for church planting. If you are interested, please get in touch with us at vitality@mtnskyumc.org.