The board of the Metro West Builders had a fruitful strategic and business planning session on September 24th.  Field Director, Pat Hinker, brought a wealth of information that day from the visits with 42 of the churches on the west side of the Twin Cities. 

Pat found that only about a quarter of the churches she visited were well informed about the Builders.  Thought most churches had received a loan from the Builders or had been the subject of a spring or fall grant/call at some point in our long history, leadership in our churches changes frequently, and those who know us often move to other positions.  It was a good reminder about how important it is for us to reach out on a regular basis to let churches know we are here to address some of their needs.  We also must remind church members that they can connect with other churches by supporting our work.  Connectionalism is alive through the work of the Builders!

Pat talked to senior pastors about what ministries their congregations are embracing.  Neighborhood outreach and age-specific ministries topped the list, with social justice ministries and global missions next in importance.  When asked about challenges facing them, congregations put finances and building needs at the top of the list.  We know that the Builders can aid congregations in providing low interest rate loans and raising money for special building projects through our twice annual grants/calls.  When the Builders provide financial support, it frees up money in the churches for other programming.  You make all our work possible through your support.  Thank you for all you do and for being open to new possibilities.