Fresno has the highest concentrated poverty rate in California, 8 in 10 students are struggling to read at grade level, and many families are experiencing food insecurity.

For those who are led by the teachings of Jesus, apathy and non action are not viable responses to these realities.

“[If you believe] that everybody [is] made in the image of God…You have to care about the people who live next door!

Joe White, Pastor of Neighborhood Church

But where does a church begin to address this issue? How can a church address the struggles our city faces in a lasting, meaningful way?

Put simply, they can’t. Not alone.

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Unified Churches = Sustainable Impact

Pastors and churches are a bridge between the community and helpful resources. 

Serving as this bridge requires a deep understanding of the surrounding neighborhoods, the work being done throughout the city as a whole, what resources exist, how to access them, how to use time and finances most efficiently, intentional relationship-building in the community… Carrying out this work is challenging.

“The challenging nature of the mission requires us to lean on one another,”

Phil Skei, Pastor of On Ramps Covenant Church

“When we are united, we can share new techniques, things that work and don’t work. Unity helps us bring change.”

Jason Spencer, Pastor of Image Church

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Vision 22: A Powerful Pastor’s Network

How can churches and pastors come together and raise their ability to serve Fresno’s most vulnerable neighborhoods?

This question led to Vision 22, a pastor-led initiative and network ENP provides organizational support for. Vision 22 exists to bring pastors together to meet the needs of the 22 most impoverished neighborhoods in Fresno.

Vision 22 unifies pastors through a network of support to increase the churches’ effectiveness in supporting our communities. This takes place through:

• Organizational Systems & Administrative Support
  • Non-profit, staff, board & fund  development & support
  • Developing community programs & initiatives
  • Bookkeeping
  • Media, sound & video training
  • Membership & resident tracking

• Placed-Based Engagement Resources
  • ABCD (Asset Based Community Development)
  • Neighborhood engagement
  • Fitness & nutrition
  • Recreational resilience
  • Literacy mentorship
  • CCDA (Christian Community Development Association)
  • Living Undivided
  • Biblical justice

• Pastor Health & Personal Development
  • Pastoral Care (mental & social-emotional health)
  • Trauma healing groups
  • Center for Community Transformation
  • Residency & Pastoral Training (Well Community Church)

Interested in attending an upcoming Vision 22 gathering or learning more about what it’s all about? Email info@everyneighborhood.org or visit the webpage below.

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Other Resources for Churches & Pastors

Every Neighborhood Partnership has created and compiled additional tools to help churches see a transformed city from the inside out. These include individualized church training, city tours and site visits, and interactive maps. Learn more on our Training & Resources webpage below:

Thank you for your heart to love our city. You’re not alone.

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