Strengthening and Uniting the Urban Christian Community

Welcome to the Empowered Church Network, a collaborative initiative dedicated to revitalizing and empowering the Black Christian community in Erie. We recognize the challenges faced by local congregations, such as the loss of pastors and the need for cultural renewal in the Black Christian experience. Our mission is to address these challenges by developing disciples, training leaders, and fostering strategic partnerships with other organizations to create a thriving and united Black Christian community.

Our Focus

The Empowered Church Network aims to:

1. Build bridges between city and county churches, promoting reconciliation, shared responsibility, and collaboration.
2. Enhance the capacity of struggling churches in areas such as technology, digital media, and fundraising.
3. Provide resources and support to pastors and leaders for personal and professional development.

Our Biblical Foundation

Our initiative is grounded in key biblical principles, including:

• Proverbs 11:14: The importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from others.
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-27: The unity of the body of Christ and the importance of collaboration.
• Ephesians 4:11-16: The role of leaders in building up the body of Christ and promoting growth and maturity.
• Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission and the importance of making disciples.

Our Action Plan

The Empowered Church Network is committed to taking the following steps:

1. Develop a leadership team: Identify key leaders in the Black Christian community to guide and oversee the network.
2. Conduct a needs assessment: Analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of Black Christian churches in Erie.
3. Develop training and resources: Create resources to help churches improve their use of technology, digital media, and fundraising strategies.
4. Foster strategic partnerships: Cultivate partnerships with local businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to enhance the capacity of Black Christian churches.
5. Develop and implement programs: Create programs that promote leadership development, discipleship, community engagement, and advocacy around issues affecting the Black Christian community.
6. Launch a communication strategy: Develop a strategy to promote the work of the Empowered Church Network and engage with the Black Christian community in Erie.
7. Evaluate and adjust: Continuously assess the effectiveness of the network's programs and initiatives, making adjustments as necessary to better meet the needs of Black Christian churches.

Join the Empowered Church Network

We invite you to join us in our mission to strengthen and unite the Black Christian community in Erie. Together, we can overcome the challenges we face and create a vibrant, empowered, and thriving community that glorifies God and serves His people. The Empowered Church Network – fostering unity, growth, and empowerment in the Black Christian community.