The Value of the Small Project
Fact: California is sunny, but it’s also hot and shade is a premium for any outdoor space.
As pastor of a church in sunny Anaheim, California, Pastor Ethan knows this. During a property walk, he realized that one small way he could improve the property for the benefit of church members and neighbors alike was to provide more shade. But instead of purchasing expensive shade sails, he went to the local hardware store and bought some umbrellas and basic outdoor furniture.
Patient steps are worth it
For some of us Americans, this budget-friendly, DIY approach might sound a little crazy. American churches tend to gravitate towards big fancy projects that require capital campaigns. We've lost the patience for developing things slowly over time. Churches tend to think they need to roll out big fancy new facilities and massive programming projects to make a lasting impact in the community.
This is not only expensive, but it means foregoing valuable information. When we rush too quickly for the grand project, we might miss out on opportunities to learn what the community needs and wants, to experiment with different ideas and see what truly adds value, what really builds and strengthens connections and relationships over time?
This wasn’t the only small project Ambassador Church installed. They also completed a paint job on the church building, improved a basketball court they already had, and partnered with local middle school students to build benches.
Practicing Presence
These small projects might not seem ground-breaking, but they should not be discounted. Projects like these are not only affordable and low risk ways to get the congregation on board with placemaking, but they also communicate to the local community that the church cares about their presence in the neighborhood. These small projects can spark conversations, excitement and surprising partnerships with other neighborhood organizations.
Over time, these projects can spark a flywheel effect of imagining, testing, implementing and improving projects fueled by conversation and relationship-building both within the church and with the larger community.
Here are some small but meaningful wins Ambassador Church has experienced since starting this process:
Neighbors have attended events and expressed gratitude for improvements
They’ve established a positive relationship with the local junior high school
They’ve established a partnership with a local florist and coffee shop
They let the local junior high school host a pop-up market on the church parking lot
Listen to our conversation with Pastor Ethan here.