Koinos 3.0
We are reimagining church
We must go where the people are and not expect them to come to us. We can begin to live as if Jesus was our everything and allow the spirit to spark curiosity in others because of how we live, work, and play in the world. New, flourishing faith communities are born when the church intently equips disciples to follow Jesus' example. We don't need a large building for God's love to saturate disciples' families, relationships, and neighborhoods. We need a movement of the Holy Spirit and a will to transform our worlds.
We must build a new spiritual movement in Berks County and beyond.
A more fluid church
God is present everywhere but mostly goes unnoticed. We reveal God's loving presence with actions and words.
We will disciple as we neighbor, work, and play. We'll hear and tell stories revealing God's presence. As disciples, we will learn the ways of Jesus as we practice loving others, caring for those who are hurting, and pursuing peace in all our relationships. When disciples intentionally show up to town halls, libraries, coffee houses, bars, special events, and social gatherings, they'll demonstrate God's presence in their lives.
We will continue to meet together for worship and teaching, but the space and format will be alternative to 801 Commerce Street. Below is an outline of what it could look like as we enter the future.
Vision Implementation
We are creating a Jesus-honoring spiritual movement through Implementing, Empowering, and Multiplying Discipleship opportunities. We will continue to gather for mutual encouragement, study, and reflection. We will reimagine the goals, name, and mission of the church. For now, we can call it Koinos 3.0.
Phase One:
Find and, if needed, renovate a new space in a high-traffic area in West Reading, Wyomissing, Sinking Spring, or Spring Township. Within the space, we create an opportunity for greater community engagement. We will be open six or seven days a week to serve the community. The initial anchors are an independent bookshop lacking in the greater Reading area. The other anchor is a space in the building used for Sunday gatherings, worship, teaching, and shared meals. Events hosted by volunteers to benefit micro-businesses, non-profits, and neighbors drive our community service. The current pastor serves as general manager and receives part of their salary from the start-up and some from the congregation.
For example, West Reading is a prime location for what we envision. There are at least two buildings currently available for lease. For most small and start-up businesses, rents are too high. With Koinos 3.0 as the anchor, small businesses have a place for a pop-up, workshops, events, and opportunities for the exposure they would not already have. The bookshop, in a high-traffic area, also gives added exposure to the church and the events and projects we host. Event possibilities include but are not limited to: Book Events, Poetry and Open mic nights, Story Time, Crafting, Makers, Workshops, Clean comedy, and Private parties. These events and sales from the bookshop create revenue streams in addition to tithes and offerings.
We also plan to implement service opportunities by providing a donation drop-off for select local charities and finding ways to serve the locals who may require food or other resources.
Initial annual budget: $131,000
Rent, utilities, and Insurance = $60,000
Start-up Costs: Infrastructure/Renovation/Tech/Marketing/Inventory acquisition = $45,000
Six significant events at $1K each = $6,000
Salary and Wages: $20,000
Phase Two:
In the second to fourth years, we anticipate hosting more events. If space is available, we can create co-working space for rent, allow for small business incubation, and find a way to reclaim potential green space for gardening. With the expansion of the ministry, we could create employment in marketing, retail, management, bookkeeping, and hospitality/event planning. Revenue streams are active and expanding as we look to Phase Three.
Annual expenditures are approximately $104,000
We increase our overhead to $72,000
We host more significant events: $12,000
Salary and wages: $20,000
Phase Three:
We are a maturing ministry with several revenue streams looking to replicate the model elsewhere.
Worship
Sundays at 10 am
Each Sunday, we meet for worship and offer programs for children from K-6th grade at The Carpenter's Home. Email us for the location.
You can listen to our sermon podcasts wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see older services and other video content.
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