Still thinking about contextualization…More Questions than Answers

My church was a plant from Grace Anglican in Grove City to Franklin, PA. We are currently in the process of becoming a self-sustaining parish. The first two years in Franklin were difficult because the town was indifferent to our presence. Every time we would reach out to serve the town, whether picking up trash or having gatherings at the park, people would usually say, “You should be doing this over in Oil City.”

In a town like Franklin, with thriving local businesses and beautiful, empty churches, almost 80% of the people are unaffiliated with any type of faith community. Franklin is somewhat of an oddball; it has a more thriving local economy than most other towns of its size in Western Pennsylvania. An Episcopal church there features a full set of Tiffany stained glass windows, created by Tiffany himself; however, the church is attended by fewer than fifteen people.

What is it about this town that says, “We’re good,” to an outstretched hand? Is the outstretched hand offering to help not a good idea to contextualize a liturgical church in this town? With my group’s venture idea, Agora Initiative, I am wondering if being involved in the local economy prior to starting worship in Franklin would have had a more positive overall effect than simply integrating ourselves into the town’s life.

Of course, we are growing slowly, and I’m sure that’s the way God planned it. Families from Franklin have begun attending. Still, I wonder whether there is an opportunity to set up a redemptively minded business that fits the context of Franklin. The people of Franklin take great care of their community, and they are thankful for the businesses that choose to remain there. Amidst fancy restaurants, pizzerias, and breweries are niche olive oil stores and antique shops. My question is, what kind of business would fit here and be redemptively minded?