Listening and Moving Together
Discerning next steps for Housing, Youth, and Recovery in Athens.
In January, pastors and community leaders mapped out where these three needs are most pressing. Below is our shared mission field—use it to visualize where God is already at work and where your congregation might uniquely join in.
Three Priorities for Athens
In our January conversation, pastors and community leaders named three priorities where churches can come alongside neighbors and partners this year:
Neighbors Stably Housed
The Athens Housing Authority at 199 Clark Street manages 438 units for families and seniors in the community. Churches can help connect neighbors to existing resources and advocate for those navigating applications.
Small steps we can take:
- Train advocates for housing applications.
- Partner with Athens Housing Authority.
Families & Schools
McMinn County Schools just launched "Caring for Our Kin" in January—a program for grandparents raising grandchildren. Our community is already stepping up; churches can amplify and extend this support.
Small steps we can take:
- Form "phone banks" for parent outreach.
- Support grandparents raising children.
Walking in Recovery
Small steps we can take:
- Support listeners at recovery gatherings.
- Engage with Athens Celebrate Recovery.
January 27 Session
Recorded: January 27 at 11:00 AM EST • Athens Hub Kickoff
A Shared Table,
Not a New Burden
Why this feels hard
Pastors were candid about the pressures that stall collaboration:
- Full Plates: Weekly ministry leaves zero room for "extra" programs.
- Delegation: Community work often falls only on the pastor.
- Complexity: Personalities and preferences make "shared work" feel risky.
The Hub Strategy
We aren't building an initiative for you to carry. We are building a scaffolding for you to lean on.
By building this together, we ensure the work fits your congregation's capacity—living out an Acts 1:8 witness in McMinn County without burning out.
How Immerse will actually support your church:
Paced Journey
A guided 6–12 month process with clear tools.
Raise Leaders
We help you equip lay leaders to own the work.
Total Clarity
Move from concern to a specific, local plan.
Peer Network
Learn alongside Athens pastors on the front lines.
Help shape what comes next
Join the growing circle of pastors adding their voice. In 3 minutes, you can ensure your neighborhood is represented.
- Upcoming Session Dates: Feb. 17, 24, and Mar. 10 at 11:00 AM
- Share what your church is already doing.
- Request support for your lay leaders.
Tools for your leaders now
Connect neighbors to trusted services while our conversations continue.