Faith Links is an initiative in which congregations and faith-based organizations are linked by e-mail through the Faith Based Resource Center and receive the following:

• A monthly e-news letter linking members to containing ministry information, ideas, educational and training materials, legal issues for faith groups, and other informational resources.
• Many free training opportunities and a 50% discount on other ministry training events offered through the Faith Based Resource Center’s Church Leadership Institute.
• A forum for individuals and congregations to share successful programs and ministry ideas.
• A network from which congregations that desire to begin a particular ministry can solicit and receive advice from other congregations experienced in the same type ministry.
• A network of churches and organizations linked together for crisis response through which congregations in an area of distress can serve as focal points of relief to which congregations outside the affected area can provide material, personnel, and spiritual support.
• An avenue through which congregations can partner with other groups to provide assistance, share resources, and develop community or regional ministries.

Faith Links is based on the following Principles:

1. Each congregation and faith group is an antonymous body with its own ministry vision and mission. Faith Links in no way supersedes the individual group, but offers a way to enhance or expand that ministry when deemed appropriate by the local congregation or organization.

2. This linkage is based on the fact that faith based groups are locally focused on the people in their immediate area and therefore they have invaluable knowledge of the needs, values, and resources of their community and access to people and assets.  Therefore these groups are able to be the true first responders in times of crisis, most knowledgeable of the types of programs to positively influence the spiritual and physical needs of their area, and particularly suited to provide a unifying and coordinated presence and effort to uplift and serve the people of their neighborhood.

3. All congregations and faith groups have great experience in addressing ongoing ministry needs and providing effective programs of service, education, and enrichment.  Most are more than willing to share their experience and resources but lack an effective way of communicating those resources or needs.  Faith Links offers a way for groups to work together and share both needs and available resources on a regular and continuing basis.

Basic questions concerning Faith Links

1. What are the responsibilities of Faith Link members?

• Pray for each faith partner and their ministry.
• Use any or all of the services offered as they relate to your congregation’s needs.
• Share ideas, resources, and information with other groups as your congregation may choose.

2. What is the cost of Faith Links?

• There is no cost.  There will be an opportunity once a year for your congregation to make a donation to help with cost if you wish.  No group will be billed and a donation is not required.  There will be a message once a year in the e-newsletter discussing how a donation can be made.

3. What is required for a church join Faith Links?

• Computer and internet access.
• An email address.
• A designated contact person or persons in the congregation or faith based organization.

To become a member of Faith Links, send your organization’s name, email address, and name of your designated contact person(s) to Theresa Young, tyoung@voase.org