Can groups be offered outside a church?

Yes. Church Initiative groups like GriefShare and DivorceCare can take place in community settings such as hospitals, community centers, or nonprofit spaces.

When groups meet outside a church, we ask that they partner with a local church for sponsorship and spiritual support. This helps ensure that participants experience not only care and community, but also ongoing connection to the local church.

Why partner with a sponsoring church?
At Church Initiative, we believe the local church plays an important role in caring for people and helping them grow spiritually.

When a group is hosted in a community setting, a sponsoring church helps provide that spiritual connection. This partnership allows groups to:

• Reach people where they are in the community

   

• Stay rooted in biblical teaching

   

• Offer pastoral support when needed

   

• Help participants connect with a local church

The sponsoring church’s role is supportive and relational. They are not expected to run the group or manage its weekly operations, but rather to offer encouragement, prayer, and connection.

How sponsorship works
Community-based groups typically involve three partners:

Group Leader

• Organizes and leads the group

   

• Secures the meeting location

   

• Facilitates the program

   

• Keeps the sponsoring church informed with occasional updates

Note for leaders:
You’ll receive support and coaching directly from a Church Initiative ministry coach, so the sponsoring church doesn’t need to provide training or oversee day-to-day leadership.

Community Location

This may include places like:

• Community centers

   

• Libraries

• Hospitals

• Counseling centers

• Nonprofit facilities

Sponsoring Church

We ask that the church:

• Is an active local church with regular worship services

   

• Has established leadership and a statement of faith

   

• Affirms Church Initiative’s Essential Beliefs

   

• Designates a point person to stay in touch with the group

   

When sponsorship may not be needed
In some settings where spiritual oversight already exists, a separate sponsoring church may not be necessary. This can include:

• Military chaplaincies

   

• Prison ministries

   

• Assisted living facilities with on-site clergy

   

If you can’t find a sponsoring church
If you’re unable to find a church partner, you won’t be able to host an official Church Initiative group using the full ministry kit.

However, you can still serve people in meaningful ways by using Church Initiative books and video resources to host informal gatherings. These groups:
Don’t require church sponsorship
Don’t follow the full group format
Still offer biblical encouragement and connection

A few additional details
Sponsoring churches may check in periodically and offer encouragement or pastoral care
Host organizations are asked to share a occasional summaries of ministry
If a host organization stops offering the program, the ministry may continue under the sponsoring church
A sponsorship agreement is required before purchasing a ministry kit