Are you a member of a small church congregation?
Every house of worship is feeling the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, of course, but the extended closure and quarantine has put many smaller churches on the brink of closing their doors for good.
I spoke with my friend Benjamin Watson a few weeks ago about his efforts to help raise funds for these congregations. The former NFL star has a real heart for helping those on the margins.
This COVID-19 Church Relief Fund is being administered by the National Christian Foundation (NCF), a trusted organization that Focus on the Family has collaborated with for decades. Through this campaign, 100% of proceeds will go to churches that are the most at risk. NCF is distributing $3,000 grants to churches as funds are available. However, more than 1,000 churches have requested aid, bringing the total need to $3 million and growing.
In an effort to draw attention to the ongoing need, Focus will be participating in a special benefit concert this coming Friday, May 15th.
The simulcast will be pulling together popular musicians you’ve come to know and love. Headliners include Toby Mac, Lauren Daigle, Lecrae and For King and Country. I’ll also be bringing a word of hope to those virtually assembled.
Crisis has a way of magnifying existing tensions – but it also has a way of bringing out the best in the body of Christ.
The local church remains the heartbeat of the Gospel and the primary public manifestation of the Christian faith. Even though church buildings are closed, congregations across the U.S. remain active and are sharing the “Good News” of Jesus Christ far and wide.
I’ve been very encouraged to see churches, organizations and even well-known personalities drop their denominational or theological barriers and pull together for the common good.
The apostle Paul called for believers to “do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10) – and Friday’s concert is a modern-day example of living up to that exhortation.
I hope you’ll join us on Friday at 8:00 P.M. eastern time for the “Churches Helping Churches” simulcast on Facebook. There is no cost or obligation. Just come and enjoy the music – and if you feel led to contribute to the effort, I know your generosity would be appreciated.
Click here to be part of the celebration – and thank you for joining us in praying for the American church as we navigate this unprecedented season.
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