#United States #Washington #Khachkar Studios #Armenian Diocese #Faithful

Khachkar Studios Allocates Funds to Empower Armenian Faithful

In a significant move to bolster the Judeo-Christian faith among Armenians in the U.S., Khachkar Studios recently announced the allocation of $10 million from its unprecedented $100 million investment. This funding is directed specifically to the "Faithful" of the Armenian Eastern Diocese, aiming to increase church attendance and improve social return on investment (SROI).

This initiative represents a commitment to not only revitalizing faith but also providing much-needed resources for parishes and congregations. According to Khachkar Studios, the funds will be used strategically across the next five years, with each parish receiving up to $500,000. The goal is for these funds to empower the Faithful to engage with the Biblically inspired management excellence framework created to enhance church operations and outreach.

Investing in the Faithful

The key intention behind this distribution is to encourage the regular attendance of church-goers, whose numbers currently sit alarmingly low. Research indicates that only 3% of Armenians are regular church attendees, a stark contrast to a mistakenly perceived figure of 30% by religious leaders. This gap highlights the urgent need for transformational change within the community. Khachkar Studios aims to double the number of active church-goers to 6% in the next five years.

To underpin this initiative, the organization has conducted extensive research over two years, analyzing best practices across various U.S. Armenian Christian religious bodies. This research utilized publicly available data and insights from 106 Armenian parishes to shape a framework that is tailor-made to the unique needs of the Faithful.

Social Return on Investment Goals

Alongside increasing church attendance, Khachkar Studios is focused on improving the SROI, which has been recorded at a median of 3.7x for U.S. Armenian parishes. The organization aspires to elevate this figure to 7.0x within the same five-year timeline. Improving financial discipline and transparency in budgets will help achieve these targets, positioning the community to better utilize resources and provide for its members.

To facilitate these goals, Khachkar Studios offers several resources. This includes an educational initiative featuring assessments, podcasts, videos, and other materials that shed light on financial best practices for parishes. The comprehensive media campaign will leverage platforms including The New York Times and Washington Post, ensuring widespread communication and engagement with the broader audience.

A Commitment to the Community

Through this monumental initiative, Khachkar Studios is not only investing in the spiritual revival of the Armenian Eastern Diocese but also reinforcing the overall community. By focusing on the operational excellence of parishes and supporting them with financial resources, the organization hopes to foster a more vibrant and engaged Faithful.

The steps outlined by Khachkar Studios signify a turning point for the Armenian Diaspora in the U.S., providing the necessary resources to stand firmly in faith and grow as a supportive community. The focus on education, financial discipline, and increased attendance will be paramount as the Faithful embark on this transformative journey toward revitalization.