This does not mean that the pastor will find new member prospects by community involvement, but participation with others in the issues and problems of the community will bring recognition of the congregation's concern. Pastors will also find their efforts rewarded by learning how better to serve those needy persons who find their way to the church. Pastors will also discover a new role as spiritual advisor to persons who claim no religious orientation. Faith communities can pray. Churches will provide a foundation for community renewal in the spiritual life in the congregation.
Pastors can lift up the concerns of the neighborhood in prayer.
The people can pray for civic leaders and ask the guidance of the Spirit on community issues and efforts. Pastors cannot expect the collaborative to ask for prayer, but they can expect prayer of the church. The weekly gathering of the congregation in worship and prayer can remind worshippers of the importance of serving as spiritual leaders, as ones who are yeast or salt or light for the place in which the people live and work. But these issues are the church's concern. Involvement is an investment that will bring good return, though sometimes in hidden ways and certainly over a long period of time.