Our Church’s Wider Mission
Basic Support
The 4500 congregations of the United Church of Christ covenant together to put God’s love into action in our communities and across the world.
In isolation, no single congregation can completely answer God’s call to love. Together we are a bold witness to God’s extravagant love for all. We share resources to transform our vision into reality. Gifts from congregations like ours to OCWM Basic Support make it possible for our Conferences and the National Ministries to strengthen local churches and leaders and engage us in mission well beyond our community.
Did you know that Basic Support is one of the 5 for 5 offerings?
Being 5 for 5 means that your church is a leader, providing support to Our Church’s Wider Mission Basic Support as well as the Special Mission Offerings: One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen The Church, Neighbors In Need and The Christmas Fund.
Most of our OCWM Basic Support dollars remain in our Conferences to help local congregations thrive. Direct support comes through:
- Leadership Initiatives like communities of practice, committees on the ministry, and one-on-one mentoring.
- Congregational Vitality work includes conflict transformation, resourcing leaders as they reimagine ministry, and grants to churches.
- Search and Call guidance to match pastors and congregations.
The National Ministries of the UCC, a crucial partner of our Conference and each congregation, helps us put love into action, especially through ministry that no one congregation could do alone. The National Ministries are organized into these three categories:
- Love of Church – primarily supports congregations.
- Love of Neighbor – primarily global partnerships, humanitarian ministries, and public policy advocacy (photo below).
- Love of Service – primarily capacity building for our Christian movement.