Co-Sponsorship for Small Congregations

CWS/LancasterImmigration & Refugee Program

Why pursue small churches?

• May say “yes” more quickly…less red tape• Fewer big projects going on• Part of a larger local network

Small Church Dynamics

• In a small congregation, the entire community is able to embrace the refugee family.– Larger percentage of

membership involved– Awareness of “new

faces” in the flock

Small Church Dynamics

• Pastor Bonnie & St. Peter’s Church– ESL and community

orientation classes– Needed to draw help from

the neighborhood– One or two volunteers are

church members…5-7 live nearby the church

Not Enough Money???• Partnership with another local

church that has $$$ but no man-power

• CWS/Lancaster coaches the church to use the refugee’s resettlement grant most effectively

• CWS/Lancaster directs general donations toward additional rent assistance for the family if necessary